Mobile communication terminals, their directional input units, and methods thereof

ABSTRACT

This disclosure generally relates to various directional input units of a mobile communication terminal, where such directional input units receive a single user input or multiple concurrent user inputs and then acquires at least one selecting (user) sub-input therefrom while a terminal is in its powered-off state or its off-state. After acquiring the selecting user sub-input, a terminal runs at least one pre-selected operation which is selected from a set of multiple pre-selected operations and which matches the selecting user sub-input when a terminal powers on from its powered-off state or wakes up from its off-state. A directional input unit may acquire the selecting user sub-input from a movement of at least a portion thereof, a contact between at least a portion thereof and a user body part, or the like. As a result, a terminal can provide a user with more seamless operations.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/084,542, filed Oct. 29, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/335,101, filed Mar. 20, 2019, issued on Dec. 1,2020 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,855,832, which is a national stage ofInternational Application No. PCT/KR2017/010477, filed Sep. 22, 2017,which claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/398,817, filed Sep. 23, 2016 and which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In case of anydiscrepancy between this disclosure and the above ProvisionalApplication, it is appreciated that descriptions provided in thisdisclosure prevail over the above Provisional Application. It is alsoappreciated that, in case of omittance, the contents which were providedin the Provisional Application but not included in this disclosure aredeemed to not be incorporated into this disclosure and that suchcontents are not parts of this disclosure.

FIELD OF DISCLOSED DIRECTIONAL INPUT UNITS AND METHODS

This disclosure relates to various directional input units of mobilecommunication terminals. More particularly, such directional input unitscan acquire at least two different (user) sub-inputs [1] from a singleuser input or [2] from multiple concurrent user inputs provided by auser. Therefore, various terminals can run at least two operations inresponse to the user input(s), and can allow a user to seamlessly runvarious operations.

More particularly, a “directional input unit” of this disclosureincludes multiple sensors [1] at least one of which can monitor adirection of a single user input (or multiple concurrent user inputs)with respect to a terminal or the input unit, or [2] at least one ofwhich can monitor a direction associated with a single user input (ormultiple concurrent user inputs). A terminal acquires directionalinformation from a user input, selects an operation which matches suchdirectional information, and then runs the operation which is selectedby a user [1] while or (immediately) after a terminal powers on (i.e.,from a current powered-off state in which a terminal has been poweredoff, to a new powered-on state in which a terminal is powered on), [2]while or (immediately) after a terminal wakes up (i.e., from a currentoff-state in which a terminal has been powered on and communicable butits display unit has been turned off, to a new mode in which a terminalis still powered on and communicable, and a display is turned on), [3]once a terminal begins to operate in an unlock (or lock) mode, or thelike.

As a result, a terminal can run at least two operations in response to(or upon receiving) [1] a single user input or [2] multiple concurrentuser inputs, where at least one of such operations belongs to a set ofmultiple pre-selected operations selected by a user (or a terminal),whereas the remaining operation(s) may include, e.g., an operation ofturning on a display unit, an operation of authenticating a user, or thelike. A terminal may instead run at least three operations in responseto a single user input (or multiple concurrent user inputs), where oneof such operations is an operation selected by a user from a set ofmultiple pre-selected operations, whereas the remaining operations mayinclude, e.g., an operation of turning on a display unit, an operationof authenticating a user, or the like. Therefore, the directional inputunits of this disclosure may allow a user to provide various (user)sub-inputs [1] to power on a terminal from its powered-off state to itspowered-on state, [2] to activate a terminal from its off-state to itson-state, or [3] to authenticate a user, while additionally running atleast one desired operation which is selected from a set of multiplepre-selected operations, all in response to a single user input (orconcurrent multiple user inputs).

By including various mechanical, electrical, optical or magneticelements therein, various directional input units of this disclosure canacquire at least one directional (user) sub-input which may in turncarry various static or dynamic features therewith. To this end, suchdirectional input units may acquire a directional (user) sub-input,e.g., [1] by including at least one movable portion in the input unitand monitoring movement of the movable portion, [2] by monitoring atleast one movement of at least one body part of a user with respect tothe input unit, [3] by monitoring at least one movement of at least onenon-user object with respect to the input unit, [4] by monitoring atleast one movement of a user body part or a non-user object at adistance from the directional input unit (or another input unit of aterminal), [5] by receiving electromagnetic or acoustic wavesdesignating a direction of a user input with the directional input unit(or another input unit of a terminal), or the like.

This disclosure also relates to [1] various methods of constructingvarious directional input units which operate in different mechanisms,[2] various methods of fabricating the directional input units which mayrespond to various static or dynamic features of a user input, [3]various methods of acquiring each of multiple (user) sub-inputs includedin a single user input (or multiple concurrent user inputs) using thedirectional input units, or the like. This disclosure also relates to[1] various methods of allowing a user to select which operation(s) torun in response to a user input(s), [2] various methods of interactingwith a user or of informing a user about which operation a user hasselected or is selecting, which operation is to be run once a terminalpowers on or once a terminal wakes up, or the like.

Based thereon, various directional input units of this disclosure mayprovide a user with various conveniences and benefits. Moreparticularly, this disclosure explains various seamless operations whichcan be offered by such directional input units and which may beattributed (1) to their versatility of receiving a single user input (ormultiple concurrent user inputs) and (2) to their efficiency inacquiring such (user) sub-inputs of different types or nature.

Other exemplary aspects, embodiments, and examples of variousdirectional input units adapted to various hardware or software elementsof mobile communication terminals and related methods are disclosedbelow, along with appended figures.

BACKGROUND

When a user wants to run operations with prior art mobile communicationdevices such as mobile phones or smart-phones, a user has to providemultiple user inputs, where a number of such inputs required depends onfeatures of individual devices.

When a device does not require a user authentication for waking up, auser has to provide at least two user inputs. In one example where adevice is (or has been) in a powered-off state (therefore, its displayunit is or has been turned off), a user provides a 1^(st) user input topower on a device, and a device may then power on and turn on a displayunit, while displaying an unlock screen displaying multiple graphicaluser interfaces (GUIs) thereon. When a user provides a 2^(nd) user inputby manipulating one of such GUls, a device may run a desired operationin response to the 2^(nd) user input. In another example where a deviceis (or has been) in a powered-on state (i.e., the device is or has beenpowered on) but a display unit is (or has been) in an off-state (i.e.,the display unit is or has been turned off), a user provides a 1^(st)user input to a device, and a device may then turn its display unit on(i.e., a wake-up operation), while displaying the GUIs thereon. When auser provides a 2^(nd) user input by manipulating one of the GUls, adevice may then run a desired operation in response to the 2^(nd) userinput. It is appreciated in both examples that, when a device is in alock mode after switching to a powered-on state or to an on-state, auser may even have to provide an additional user input to switch from alock mode to an unlock mode.

It then follows that, whenever a prior art mobile communication deviceis in its powered-off state or off-state, a user has to provide at leasttwo user inputs anyway to run any desired operation. In addition, a userhas to provide such user inputs in a certain time gap (i.e.,sequentially), for an operation of turning on a display unit and anotheroperation of selecting a desired operation to run have to be performedin a sequential manner. That is, a user cannot select an operation torun unless a device provides a user with a home screen.

When a device requires a user authentication before turning on a displayunit or before advancing to an unlock mode, a user may have to supplymore than two user inputs. For example, when a device is in itspowered-on state and its display unit is in its off-state, a user has toprovide a 1^(st) user input to run a user authentication operation. Inone example where a device turns on its display unit in response to the1^(st) user input, the device may show a lock screen in a lock mode whena user fails such authenticating, or may instead show an unlock (orhome) screen when a user passes such authenticating. In another examplewhere a device turns on its display unit only when a user passes suchauthenticating, a device may remain turned off when a user fails suchauthenticating, but may turn on its display unit when a user passes suchauthenticating.

Most prior art mobile communication devices used to require a user toprovide two separate user inputs to this end, where one user input isused to turn on a display unit and to switch a device to a lock mode,whereas another user input is used to receive authenticationinformation. However, more advanced devices require only one user inputto authenticate a user as well as turning on a display unit eitherconcurrently or sequentially (i.e., in series). Once a deviceauthenticates a current user and advances to an unlock mode, a user maythen provide a 2^(nd) user input to select and to run an operation ofhis or her choice.

Recently, some prior art mobile communication devices have adoptedanother line of input units which typically include a 1^(st) sensor(e.g., a fingerprint sensor) for acquiring an authenticating (user)sub-input which is used to authenticate a user, a 2^(nd) sensor (e.g., atactile sensor) for acquiring an activation (user) sub-input which isused to turn on a display unit, and a 3^(rd) sensor (e.g., a forcetransducer) for monitoring a magnitude of force which is exerted on aninput unit. Based on such a magnitude, a terminal may determine whichone of multiple pre-selected operations to run. Therefore, in responseto a single user input, this prior art device may run a 1^(st) operation(i.e., a user authentication operation), may run a 2^(nd) operation(i.e., a turning-on operation), and may also run a 3^(rd) operationwhich is desired by a user.

As described above, various prior art mobile communication devicesrequire a user to provide at least two user inputs to run a desiredoperation (e.g., checking emails, taking pictures, making phone calls,or the like) when the devices are (or have been) in the powered-offstate or off-state. Even when some newer devices may allow a user toprovide a single user input to turn on a display unit, to authenticatehimself or herself, and to even select and run a desired operation, auser can only select the desired operation from only a few pre-selectedoperations, for it is typically difficult for a user to preciselyprovide the user input with different magnitudes.

Therefore, there is an impending need for a mobile communicationterminal which can turn on its display unit, which can authenticate auser, and which can run at least one desired operation, all in responseto a single user input. There also exists an impending need for a mobilecommunication which can enable a user to readily select the desiredoperation from a pool of at least two, at least three, or at least fourpre-selected operations, without having to worry about preciseness inproviding the user input. Accordingly, a user may enjoy seamlessoperations of running the desired operation, without having to provideany additional user input [1] after the terminal is powered on or [2]after the display unit is turned on.

SUMMARY

Various mobile communication terminals of this disclosure provide a userwith capability of enhanced seamless operations by incorporating atleast “four main features” which may be “independent” of each other orwhich may be “interdependent” upon each other, based on configurationalor operational characteristics of a terminal or on such characteristicsof various hardware or software elements of a directional input unit ofa terminal.

The “first main feature” of this disclosure is to provide a terminalwith at least one “directional input unit” which may include a sensorcapable of acquiring directional information of a user input. Because auser can readily manipulate a direction of a user input, a user mayprovide a directional input unit with a user input in one of multipledirections, thereby selecting and running one of multiple pre-selectedoperations.

That is, as long as a user can readily differentiate such differentdirections and provide a single user input (or multiple concurrent userinputs) in one of such directions, a user can readily select one ofmultiple pre-selected operations and then render a terminal run theselected operation, while or immediately after a terminal switches [1]from a powered-off state to a powered-on state (i.e., “powering on”), or[2] from an off-state to an on-state (i.e., “turning on” or “wakingup”), where the selected operation is neither an operation of turning ona display unit nor an operation of authenticating a user. Accordingly, auser may enjoy running a desired operation in addition to turning on adisplay unit or to authenticating a user in either of [1] or [2] asdescribed above, all in response to a single user input (or multipleconcurrent user inputs).

The “second main feature” of this disclosure is to configure thedirectional input unit to “differentiate directions” in a “2-D” plane orin a “3-D” space. When a sensor of a directional input unit candifferentiate directions in a 2-D plane, a user may provide a singleuser input (or multiple concurrent user inputs) in one of at least twodifferent directions (e.g., up-down, left-right, or the like), in one ofat least three different direction (e.g., up-left-right,up-down-horizontal, or the like), or in one of at least four differentdirections (e.g., up-down-left-right, upper left-upper right-lowerleft-lower right, or the like). Accordingly, by readily manipulatingsuch directions, a user may easily select one of two, three, four, five,six, seven, or more pre-selected operations. In response thereto, aterminal may then run the selected operation. It is appreciated that the2-D plane may be defined [1] parallel to a surface of a display unit ofa terminal, [2] parallel to a rear surface of a terminal, [3] parallelto a side or an edge of a terminal, or [4] at a preset angle withrespect to the surface, side, or edge.

When a sensor of a directional input unit can differentiate directionsin a 3-D space, a user may manipulate a direction of a user input notonly horizontally but also vertically. Accordingly, this configurationprovides a user with greater flexibility in providing a user input in agreater number of directions. As a result, a user may select one offour, five, six, seven, eight, or more pre-selected operations. Inresponse thereto, a terminal may then run the selected operation.

The “third main feature” of this disclosure is to provide a terminalwith a directional input unit which can monitor a “static feature” or a“dynamic feature” of a single user input and to acquire directionalinformation from the feature. As long as a user can readilydifferentiate such features and provide a single user input (or multipleconcurrent user inputs) while incorporating one of such features to theuser input, a user can readily select one of multiple pre-selectedoperations and then render a terminal run the selected operation whileor immediately after a terminal switches [1] from a powered-off state toa powered-on state or [2] from an off-state to an on-state.

The “fourth main feature” of this disclosure is to provide a terminalwith at least one “notice unit” capable of assisting a user in selectingwhich direction he or she has to provide a single user input (ormultiple concurrent user inputs) for running one of multiplepre-selected operations. For example, a notice unit may generate avisual signal, an audible signal, or a tactile signal, and may inform auser [1] in which direction a user may provide a terminal with a userinput, [2] which pre-selected operations can be run by providing a userinput in a certain direction, [3] in which direction a user is providing(or has provided) a user input, [4] which pre-selected operation is tobe run by a user input which a user is providing (or has provided), orthe like.

A user may then readily determine whether or not he or she is providing(or has provided) a correct user input to select and run a desiredoperation, whether or not a terminal is going to run an operationintended by a user while or immediately after a terminal switches [1]from a powered-off state to a powered-on state or [2] from an off-stateto an on-state. As a result, a terminal may enhance the efficiency ofsuch seamless operations by minimizing user mistakes.

When a terminal provides a visual notice signal, a terminal may do so bydriving a designated notice unit. In the alternative, a terminal mayprovide a visual notice signal using its display unit, where the displayunit may then be deemed to serve as a notice unit as well. Similarly,when a terminal provides an audible notice signal, a terminal may do soby driving a designated notice unit. In the alternative, a terminal mayprovide an audible notice signal using its speaker, where the speakermay then be deemed to serve as a notice unit as well. In addition, whena terminal provides a tactile notice signal, a terminal may do so bydriving a designated notice unit. In the alternative, a terminal mayprovide a tactile notice signal using its vibrator, where the vibratormay then be deemed to serve as a notice unit as well.

When a mobile communication terminal displays graphical user interfaces(GUIs) on a display unit and allow a user to run various operations bymanipulating such GUls, an “additional main feature” of this disclosureis to allow a user to run such operations by providing user inputsdirectly to a “directional input unit,” instead of having to manuallytouch or press such GUIs. In other words, when a user desires to run acertain operation while a terminal is in its on-state, a user may selecta GUI designated to such an operation with the directional input unit,without having to travel over a screen of a terminal with his or herfingers.

Various objectives, advantages, and benefits of various directionalinput units of various mobile communication terminals of this disclosureand related methods of providing and using such input units will bedescribed below, starting with definitions of terms and phrases to beused throughout this disclosure.

It is appreciated throughout this disclosure that various numeralsdisposed between square brackets “[” and “]” such as, e.g., [1] or [2],mean that they are alternatives to each other. Therefore, “examples ofdevices include [1] a plate, [2] a cup, or the like” means that a devicemay be a plate, a cup, or other equivalents of the plate or the cup.

1. Definitions

1-1. Accessible Hardware or Software Elements

Each mobile communication terminal may include multiple hardwareelements and multiple software elements therein. Among those elements,when a terminal may allow a user to neither directly drive nor directlymodify a certain hardware or software element for operational orsecurity reasons, this element is to be referred to as a“non-accessible” hardware or software element within the scope of thisdisclosure. A microprocessor, a wireless transmitter, a wirelessreceiver, a firmware, and a kernel are typical examples of suchnon-accessible hardware or software elements. In addition, a softwareelement which is stored not in an accessible user space of a terminalbut in a protected kernel space of the terminal is another example ofthe non-accessible elements.

When a manufacturer of a terminal allows a user to directly drive acertain hardware or software element with a user input, however, thiselement is referred to as an “accessible” hardware or software elementof a terminal. For example, an input member which includes at least oneinput unit, a memory member which includes at least one memory unit, asoftware application (or “app”), or an O/S with which a user can runvarious operations are typical examples which include at least one ofthe accessible software or hardware elements therein. When a terminalprovides a user with various user interfaces (e.g., a graphical userinterface, a text-based interface, or the like), various hardware orsoftware elements which are operationally coupled to the interfaces areother examples of such accessible hardware or software elements, for auser may directly drive such elements by simply manipulating such userinterfaces.

In this regard, when a terminal grants a user with a certain accessauthority in a certain mode of operation, the user may [1] access allaccessible hardware or software elements, or [2] access not all but onlysome of the accessible hardware or software elements. In each of theabove [1] and [2], the terminal may also grant the user [3] to drive anentire “portion” of a certain accessible hardware or software element,or [4] to drive not the entire portion but only a restricted “portion”of a certain accessible hardware or software element. In the case of[4], a user may drive the certain accessible hardware or softwareelement in a restricted “extent” such that the user may drive only somebut not all portions of the element or may drive the element not withall available options but only with restricted “options.”

Accordingly, a terminal may grant a user to switch from a current modeto a new mode upon receiving a proper user input which includes amode-switching (user) sub-input. The terminal may then grant a user [1]to “access” at least one accessible hardware or software element, [2] to“drive” the element, [3] to “run” a certain operation by driving such anelement, [4] to “perform” a certain function by driving the element, orthe like, based on the access authority which the terminal grants to theuser in the new mode. In contrary, a terminal may deny a user [5] fromswitching from a current mode to a new mode, e.g., when the terminaldoes not authorize a user input. In this case, [5-1] the user may getstuck in the current mode or [5-2] the terminal may switch to theoff-state or the powered-off state. In the case of [5-1], the terminalmay keep allowing the user to drive those hardware or software elementswhich are accessible in the current mode but may continue to block theuser from driving other hardware or software elements which may only beaccessible in the new mode.

It is appreciated that a user can “access” or “drive” at least oneaccessible hardware or software element only when a terminal grants theuser with proper access authorities in a certain mode but that, even insuch a mode, the user cannot access or drive non-accessible hardware orsoftware elements. In this regard, when a terminal or user is said toaccess or to drive a certain hardware or software element, it ispresumed that the hardware or software element is an “accessible”hardware or software element, unless otherwise specified. It is furtherappreciated that “to ‘drive’ an element” is (1) to be synonymous with“to ‘drive’ at least one accessible hardware or software element” and(2) to collectively include “to ‘drive’ at least one accessible hardwareelement” and/or “to ‘execute’ at least one accessible software element”hereinafter.

1-2. States and Modes (of Operation)

A mobile communication terminal of this disclosure can be in apowered-off state or in a powered-on state. As used herein, the“powered-off state” means a state in which the terminal is powered offand, therefore, is not communicable. To the contrary, the “powered-onstate” means a state in which the terminal is powered on and, therefore,is communicable. It is appreciated that, when a terminal is“communicable,” the terminal can transmit information to a 3^(rd) partyor receive information from a 3^(rd) party, either through wire orwirelessly.

A mobile communication terminal of this disclosure includes at least onedisplay unit which in turn can be either in an off-state or in anon-state. As used herein, the “off-state” means a state in which thedisplay unit is turned off, whereas the “on-state” means a state inwhich the display unit is turned on. In this context, when a terminal isin its on-state, a terminal has already been its powered-on state.However, when a terminal is in its off-state, a terminal may be eitherin the powered-off state or in the powered-on state. It is appreciatedthat the “off-state” of a display unit may be referred to as an“inactive state” of a terminal and that an “on-state” of a display unitmay be referred to as an “active state” of a terminal. For simplicity ofillustration, however, a terminal may be said to be in an “on-state” or“off-state,” respectively, when the terminal is in the active state andinactive state.

A terminal may only display on its display unit “routine data” such as,e.g., a date, a time, a clock, a stopwatch, a temperature, a weather, awireless connection, an armed alarm, a battery charge level, an arrivalof a new email or message, an incoming call, a notice of an upcomingevent, a status of a hardware or software element of a terminal, or thelike. In particularly, when a terminal includes an input unit which isprovided as a GUI or a soft button and when the terminal displays suchGUI or soft button while keeping the rest of the display unit turnedoff, such GUI and soft button are also deemed to be routine data.

In general, such routine data refer to those data [1] which can beobtained without having to run any operation in response to a userinput, or [2] which is not related to any user interface which is inturn provided as a hard button or as a soft button. When a display unitdisplays only routine data thereon, the display unit is deemed to be“turned off” and to be in an “off-state” within the scope of thisdisclosure.

The above illustrations of this Section apply to a terminal with adisplay member which includes a single display unit. However, when adisplay member of a terminal may include multiple display units such as,e.g., a “major display unit” and at least one “minor display unit” whichis smaller than the major display unit, a display unit is deemed to be“turned off” and to be in an “off-state” within the scope of thisdisclosure, as long as the major display unit is turned off and in itsoff-state, even when the minor display unit is turned on and in itson-state. In addition, when a terminal incorporates a single displayunit which defines a “major section” and at least one “minor section”which is smaller than the major section, the display unit is deemed tobe “turned off” and to be in an “off-state” when the major section isturned off and in an off-state, even when the minor section displaysonly routine data or other user interfaces.

In other cases, a terminal may display on its display unit some routinedata along with other information which are not routine data. In thiscase, a display unit is deemed to be “turned off” and to be in an“off-state” within the scope of this disclosure, when a terminal keeps“at least 80% of the pixels” of a display unit turned off. This alsoapplies to the major display unit as well as to the major section.

As used herein, a “lock mode (of operation)” or simply a “lock mode”refers to a mode of operation in which a terminal allows a user to drivethe least number (including zero) of accessible hardware or softwareelements of a terminal. As a result, a user can run the least number(including zero) of operations in the lock mode. In contrary, an “unlockmode (of operation)” or simply an “unlock mode” refers to a mode ofoperation in which a terminal allows a user to drive the greatest numberof accessible hardware or software elements of a terminal. As a result,a user can run the greatest number of operations in the unlock mode.

One example is where a user can manipulate all GUIs displayed on anunlock (or home) screen in an unlock mode, whereas a user can onlymanipulate at most a few GUIs in a lock mode, for a lock screendisplayed on a display unit in the lock mode only includes the few GUIs.As a result, a user can run a greater number of operations in an unlockmode, whereas he or she can only run only a few operations in a lockmode. When a lock screen does not include any GUI, then a user cannotrun any operation in a lock mode.

A terminal may also define at least one intermediate mode in addition tothe lock mode and the unlock mode. As used herein, an “intermediate mode(of operation)” or simply an “intermediate mode” refers to a mode ofoperation which a terminal allows a user to drive a certain number ofaccessible hardware or software elements of a terminal, where thecertain number is greater than the number of such accessible elementsdrivable in the lock mode and smaller than the number of such accessibleelements drivable in the unlock mode.

1-3. Concurrent and Sequential

As used herein, “concurrence” is synonymous with “simultaneity,” andrefers to an occurrence, a happening, or an existence of multipleoperations (or steps) at the same time. Similarly, “concurrent” or“concurrently” is synonymous with “simultaneous” or “simultaneously,”respectively. Thus, a user is deemed to provide multiple user inputsconcurrently when such user inputs are provided to one or more inputunits at the same time. Accordingly, when a user provides multiple userinputs concurrently, the user is deemed to provide the user inputs insuch a way that there exists at least one common clock cycle of aprocessor of the terminal in which the user provides such multiple userinputs. In other words, such multiple user inputs overlap each other inat least one common clock cycle, and such multiple user inputs are notcompletely separated by any temporal gap therebetween.

Similarly, a terminal is deemed to run multiple operations (or theirsteps) concurrently, when the terminal runs the operations (or steps) atthe same time. Accordingly, when a terminal runs multiple operations (orsteps) concurrently, the terminal is deemed to run such operations (orsteps) in such a way that there exists at least one common clock cycleof a processor of a terminal in which the terminal runs both of suchoperations (or steps). That is, such multiple operations (or steps)overlap each other in at least one common clock cycle, and such multipleoperations (or steps) are not completely separated by any temporal gaptherebetween.

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of exemplary concurrent operations (orsteps) which are presented along clock cycles of a processor of a mobilecommunication terminal. In the panel (A) of FIG. 1A, a processor of aterminal (or just simply a terminal) runs the operation (or step) A₁,starting from a clock cycle 003 and ending at a clock cycle 010 (i.e., aduration of 8 clock cycles). In addition, the terminal runs theoperation (or step) A₂, starting from a clock cycle 009 and ending at aclock cycle 019 (i.e., a duration of 11 clock cycles). According to theabove definition, this terminal is deemed to “concurrently” run theoperations (or steps) A₁ and A₂, for both of the operations (or steps)overlap each other in two common clock cycles 009 and 010.

In the panel (B) of FIG. 1A, a terminal similarly runs the operation (orstep) B₁, starting from a clock cycle 003 and ending at a clock cycle020 (i.e., a duration of 18 clock cycles), and the terminal also runsthe operation (or step) B₂, starting from a clock cycle 020 and endingat a clock cycle 30 (i.e., a duration of 11 clock cycles). By the abovedefinition, this terminal is deemed to “concurrently” run the operations(or steps) B₁ and B₂, for both operations (or steps) B₁ and B₂ overlapeach other in a single common clock cycle 020.

In the panel (C) of FIG. 1A, a terminal runs the operation (or step) C₁,starting and ending at a clock cycle 023 (i.e., one clock cycle), andthe terminal also runs the operation (or step) C₂, starting from a clockcycle 003 and ending at a clock cycle 090 (i.e., 88 clock cycles). Thisterminal is deemed to “concurrently” run the operations (or steps) C₁and C₂, because both operations (or steps) overlap each other in thesingle common clock cycle 023, even though the operation (or step) C₁lasts only a tiny portion of the operation (or step) C₂.

In the panel (D) of the figure, a terminal runs the operation (or step)D₁, starting at a clock cycle 005 and ending at a clock cycle 014 (i.e.,10 clock cycles), runs the operation (or step) D₂, starting from a clockcycle 012 and ending at a clock cycle 022 (i.e., 11 clock cycles), andruns another operation (or step) D₃, starting from a clock cycle 016 andending at a clock cycle 1,015 (i.e., 1,000 clock cycles). Therefore, theterminal is deemed to [1] “concurrently” run the operations (or steps)D₁ and D₂, for they overlap each other in the common clock cycles 12,13, and 14, and [2] “concurrently” run the operations (or steps) D₂ andD₃, because they overlap each other in the common clock cycles 16 to 22.However, the terminal is not deemed to “concurrently” run the operations(or steps) D₁ and D₃, for they do not overlap each other in any commonclock cycle. Rather, the operations (or steps) D₁ and D₃ are separatedby a temporal gap which corresponds to the clock cycle 15.

It is appreciated, however, that the concurrency among at least threeoperations (or steps) is defined such that a terminal is deemed to runsuch operations (or steps) concurrently as far as there is no temporalgap during a period which starts from a beginning of theearliest-beginning operation (or step) and which ends at an ending ofthe last-ending operation (or step). Based on this definition, aterminal of the panel (D) of FIG. 1A is deemed to “concurrently” runthree operations (or steps) D₁, D₂, and D₃, because a terminal runs thethree operations (or steps) for a period which begins with the beginningof D₁ and which end with the ending of D₃ and because there is no singleclock cycle during the period in which a terminal does not run any ofD₁, D₂, and D₃.

As used herein, a “sequence” refers to a certain order in which aterminal runs multiple operations (or steps) one at a time or one afteranother. Similarly, “sequentially” means that a terminal runs theoperations (or steps) in a preset order one at a time, with at least onetemporal gap between such multiple operations (or steps). As usedherein, “sequentially” is synonymous with “one at a time,”“consecutively,” or “successively.” Therefore, a terminal is deemed tosequentially run the operations (or steps) D₁ and D₃ of the panel (D) ofFIG. 1A, with at least one temporal gap therebetween.

1-4. Display Unit and Display Surface

A mobile communication terminal includes a display member which in turnincludes at least one display unit which in turn defines at least one“displace surface” for displaying a “static image (e.g., a picture)” ora “dynamic image (e.g., a video clip)” thereon, where the image may bein black-and-white, in color, a combination thereof, or the like.Accordingly, a display unit may display on its display surface staticimages of, e.g., one or more [1] characters, [2] words, [3] texts, [4]drawings, [5] pictures or [6] other static images of objects or persons.A display unit may similarly display dynamic images such as, e.g., [1]video games, [2] video clips, or [3] dynamic images of characters,words, texts, drawings, cartoons, objects or persons, or the like.

A terminal may store such static or dynamic images therein and displaysuch images one by one, may receive such images from an external sourcesuch as, e.g., an external device, a portable device, another terminal,a website, or the like. In the latter cases, a terminal may display suchimages [1] only after acquiring them, [2] concurrently with acquiringthem, or the like. It is appreciated that a “display surface” refers toa “portion” of a display unit which is a hardware element of a mainsystem of a terminal. Because a user may drive a display unit to displaysuch static or dynamic images, a display unit may be deemed as one ofthe accessible hardware element of a main system as well.

A single display surface may define a single “segment” where the displaysurface then becomes identical to the display segment. However, when adisplay surface defines “multiple segments” thereon, a display unit maybe able to display different static or dynamic images on differentsegments concurrently or sequentially.

When a terminal may include a display member which in turn includesmultiple display units, such display units may have the same shapes,sizes, or functions. Alternatively, such display units may havedifferent shapes, sizes or functions, and may be incorporated in thesame or different locations of a terminal. In the latter example, onedisplay unit may be used as a “major display unit,” while anotherdisplay unit may serve as a “minor display unit” or a supplementaldisplay unit. It then follows that each of such multiple display unitsmay include display surfaces of which shapes and sizes may be identical(or similar) to each other or different from each other.

As will be explained below, various notice units of this disclosure mayserve as one of multiple display units, where such notice units may havethe same, similar or different capability of displaying the static ordynamic images in color, in a certain resolution, or the like. Because anotice unit may serve to provide a visual notice signals to a user, thenotice unit [1] may be smaller than a display unit, [2] may displaysimple static or dynamic images than a display unit, or the like. Whendesirable, a single display unit may use a portion of its displaysurface as a notice unit as well. Alternatively, a display unit mayserve as the notice unit as well.

When a terminal includes multiple display units, the terminal may driveeach of such multiple display units [1] concurrently, [2] sequentially,[3] temporarily independent of each other, or the like. For example, aterminal may [1] turn on a 1^(st) display unit whenever a 2^(nd) displayunit is turned on, [2] turn off a 1^(st) display unit whenever a 2^(nd)display unit is turned on, [3] turn on or off at least two display unitsin a certain sequence, or [4] turn on or off each display unitindependently. As will be explained in the following Section, a terminalmay recruit a display unit to constantly display routine data as definedabove. In addition, a terminal [1] may recruit the same software elementto drive each of multiple display units, or [2] may recruit differentsoftware elements to drive each of such display units.

In contrary to such examples where a terminal includes at least onedisplay unit, a terminal may not include any display unit therein. Sucha terminal may instead be configured to be releasably coupled to anexternal display device which is a separate device from the terminal.With this arrangement, a terminal of this disclosure may be provided ina more compact shape and size. Of course, a terminal which includes atleast one display unit may also be configured to operationally couplewith an external display device to supplement a display unit of a mainsystem of a terminal.

1-5. Screen

As used herein, a “screen” refers to an image which a terminal displayson a “display surface” of a display unit. The screen [1] may be in ablack-and-white mode or a color mode, [2] may be in a 2-D mode or a 3-Dmode, or [3] may provide a 2-D image, a 3-D image, a hologram image, orthe like. It is appreciated that the screen may be static (i.e., notchanging over time) or dynamic (i.e., changing over time). In thiscontext, a screen may include a single “window” or multiple windows ineach of which a user may run different (software) elements of a mainsystem of a terminal.

When or after a display unit is turned on (i.e., a terminal is in itson-state), a screen becomes available on a display surface of a displayunit, and a user may be able to see the screen on the display surface.Therefore, a screen may be an image of whatever is displayed on thedisplay surface, and such a screen may include [1] one or more staticimages of characters, words, texts, drawings, pictures or static imagesof objects or persons, [2] dynamic images of a video game, or [3]dynamic images such as video clips or other dynamic images of objects orpersons. Depending upon its content, the screen may include at least oneadvertisement, a content, a warning, an instruction, or the like.Accordingly, a screen may also include an “unlock (or home) screen”which is displayed in an unlock mode, a “lock screen” which is displayedin a lock mode, and an “intermediate screen” which is displayed in anintermediate mode.

1-6. User Input

As used herein, a “user input” refers to an input which is provided toat least one input unit of a terminal by a user who directly orindirectly manipulates at least one portion of the input unit. A usermay provide the user input with his or her body part(s) or with anon-user object such as a stylus, a pen, or the like. For simplicity ofillustration, when “a user provides” a user input to at least one inputunit of a terminal, it collectively refers that a user may [1] use “atleast one body part of the user,” [2] use “at least one non-user objectwhich can be recognized by an input unit” of a terminal, [3] allow aterminal to obtain biometric information of a user, [4] allow a user toobtain electromagnetic waves or acoustic waves related to user, or thelike.

In one example, a user may “directly manipulate” at least a portion ofan input unit of a mobile communication terminal. In one case, a usermay directly provide a user input by “moving” at least one movableportion of the input unit or by “touching or contacting” at least aportion of the input unit [1] with a user body part, [2] a non-userobject, or the like. In the case of such moving, a user may move themovable portion for a preset period (of time) or for another period ofhis choice. In the case of such contacting, a user may [1] maintain acontact between the portion of the input unit and a user body part (or anon-user object) for a preset period of time, or [2] maintain a contactwhile moving the body part or non-user object and, therefore, changing aposition of such a contact.

In another example, a user may “indirectly provide” a user input, e.g.,by “providing electromagnetic waves or acoustic waves” to an input unitof a mobile communication terminal, without having to directlymanipulate a portion of the input unit. In one case, a user may emit tothe input unit [1] electromagnetic waves which carry information relatedto a user input such as, e.g., an image of a user, wave characteristics(e.g., amplitudes, frequencies, phase angles, or phase lags) or otherinformation, or [2] acoustic waves which carry information related to auser input such as, e.g., a user voice, a sound generated by a user bodypart, or the like. Therefore, when an input unit acquires an image of auser for authenticating a face, an iris, or a retina, such an image isdeemed as a user input. Similarly, when an input unit acquires a voiceof a user for voice authentication, the voice is deemed as a user input.

As used herein, a “user input” includes “at least one (user) sub-input”therein. When a user supplies a user input to an input unit, an inputunit is to “receive” a user input, and a sensor of the input unit is to“acquire” a (user) sub-input from a user input. Therefore, when a userinput includes only one (user) sub-input therein, the user inputcorresponds to the (user) sub-input. Conversely, when a user inputincludes therein multiple (user) sub-inputs, a single input unit ormultiple input units receive the user input, while a single sensor ormultiple sensors (of a single input unit or multiple input units)acquire the (user) sub-inputs therefrom. For simplicity of illustration,a “user input” and a “(user) sub-input” are collectively referred to asthe user input throughout this disclosure, unless otherwise specified.In addition, a “(user) sub-input” may be abbreviated as a “sub-input.”

Depending on configurational and operational characteristics of an inputunit, a user may provide various types of user inputs. A user mayprovide some of such user inputs by his or her direct manipulation ofthe input unit, whereas a user may provide others of such user inputsnot by such direct manipulation of the input unit but by indirectlyproviding various user inputs to the input unit.

A user input of this disclosure may be classified based upon its type ornature. A “1^(st) type user input” relates to a “mechanical user input”which is provided to at least a portion of an input unit by directlymanipulating the portion. Examples of the 1^(st) type user inputincludes, e.g., “moving” (e.g., pressing, pushing, pulling, translating,sliding, rotating, pivoting, or otherwise moving) at least a portion ofthe input unit, “touching (or contacting)” the portion, and acombination thereof.

Examples of the 1^(st) type user input may also include “mechanicalbiometric information” of the user, where examples of such 1^(st) typeuser input may include a blood pressure or a heart rate measured in acertain position of the user, a blood flow rate measured similarly,other cardiovascular information, a breathing rate in rest or duringexercise, a respiratory flow rate, other respiratory information, orother biometric information related to skeletal or muscular body parts.As defined above, such mechanical user inputs include therein at leastone mechanical (user) sub-input.

The 1^(st) type user input further relates to a “static feature” or a“dynamic feature” of the mechanical user input. Examples of this 1^(st)type user input include, e.g., a force associated with a movement or acontact of at least a portion of an input unit (a scalar or a vector), avelocity of the movement (a scalar or a vector), an acceleration of sucha movement (a scalar or a vector), a displacement of the portion due tothe movement (a scalar or a vector), a direction of the force, velocity,acceleration or movement, a direction of the contact, a duration of theabove, a number of applications thereof, a temporal overlaptherebetween, a temporal gap therebetween, or the like. The 1^(st) typeuser input may also include a “mechanical property” of a user body partor that of a non-user object which is used to provide the 1^(st) typeuser input to the portion of the input unit, where examples of such1^(st) type user input may include various mechanical properties suchas, e.g., an elasticity, a roughness, various moduli, or the like. Anamplitude or a frequency of a force exerted onto a sensor of an inputunit is an example of this 1^(st) type user input.

A “2^(nd) type user input” relates to an “electrical user input” whichis an “electrical signal” provided to at least a portion of an inputunit capable of receiving the 2^(nd) type user input and acquiring anelectrical (user) sub-input therefrom. For example, a user may use acertain pen, a wearable device as explained above, or other portabledevices to generate and provide a certain direct current (DC) oralternating current (AC) electrical signal to the input unit, may useanother terminal to generate and provide the electrical signal, or thelike. A user may also provide “electrical biometric information” of hisbody part as the 2^(nd) type user input, where these user inputs mayinclude, e.g., an electrocardiogram (ECG), an electromyogram (EMG), anelectroencephalogram (EEG), or any other electrical signals measured ina certain position of the body.

The 2^(nd) type user input further relates to a “static feature” or a“dynamic feature” of the electrical user input. Examples of this 2^(nd)type user input may include an electrical current or voltage, itsmagnitude, its phase angle or phase lag, its frequency, its wave-length,its flux (a scalar or a vector), or the like. The 2^(nd) type user inputmay also include an “electrical property” of a user body part or anon-user object which is used to provide the 2^(nd) type user input to aproper portion of the input unit, where examples of the 2^(nd) type userinput may include various electrical properties such as resistivity ofthe body part or object, its conductivity, its capacitance, itspermittivity, its dielectric property, its thermoelectricity, or thelike, where such properties may be measured in a constant electric ormagnetic field or where such properties or their changes may be measuredin a varying electric or magnetic field. A fingerprint of a usermonitored by a capacitive sensor of a capacitive input unit is anexample of this 2^(nd) type user input.

A “3^(rd) type user input” relates to an “magnetic user input” which isa “magnetic signal” provided to at least a portion of an input unitcapable of receiving the 3^(rd) type user input and acquiring a magnetic(user) sub-input therefrom. For example, a user may use a certain pen, awearable device as explained above, or other portable devices togenerate and provide a certain direct current (DC) or alternatingcurrent (AC) magnetic signal to the input unit, may use another terminalfor generating and providing the magnetic signal, or the like. A usermay also provide various “magnetic biometric information” of his or herbody part as the 3^(rd) type user input, where the 3^(rd) type userinputs may similarly include, e.g., a magnetocardiogram (MCG), amagnetomyogram (MMG), a magnetoencephalogram (MEG), or any othermagnetic signals measured in a certain position of the body.

The 3^(rd) type user input may also relate to a “static feature” or a“dynamic feature” of the magnetic user input. Examples of this 3^(rd)type user input may include a magnitude of its magnetic B-field orH-field, its direction, a number of magnetic poles therein, its phaseangle or phase lag, its frequency, its wave-length, its flux (a scalaror a vector), or the like. The 3^(rd) type user input may also include a“magnetic property” of a user body part or a non-user object which isemployed to provide the 3^(rd) type magnetic user input to the portionof the input unit, where the 3^(rd) type user input may include variousmagnetic properties such as, e.g., a magnetic polarity, a magneticpermeability, a magnetic susceptibility, or the like, where suchproperties may be measured in a constant electric or magnetic field orwhere such properties or changes in such properties may be measured in avarying electric or magnetic field.

A “4^(th) type user input” relates to an “electromagnetic user input”which is “electromagnetic waves” emitted to at least a portion of aninput unit capable of receiving the 4^(th) type user input and acquiringan electromagnetic (user) sub-input included therein. For example, auser may use a certain pen, a wearable device (e.g., a watch, a ring, anecklace, a bracelet, a lens, or glasses), or other portable devices toemit such electromagnetic waves to the input unit, may use anothermobile communication terminal to emit such waves, or the like. Inaddition, the user may provide an “image of a body part” such as a face,an iris, a retina or another body part, or an “image of a non-userobject” to the input unit, where such images may be provided to theinput unit in a range of the visible electromagnetic waves, UV rays, IRrays, or other electromagnetic waves of specific frequency ranges. It isappreciated that the 4^(th) type user input provided as such images mayinclude still images, video clips, or a combination thereof, and thatthe 4^(th) type user input may correspond to as an “optical user input”as well, particularly when such 4^(th) type user inputs employ visiblelight rays.

The 4^(th) type user input may also relate to a “static feature” or a“dynamic feature” of the electromagnetic user input. Examples of this4^(th) type user input may include a magnitude of such waves, theirphase angle, their phase lag, their wave-length, their frequency, theirflux (a scalar or a vector), or the like. When the 4^(th) type userinput relates to the above images, examples of this 4^(th) type userinput may include a color (e.g., its hue, value, and intensity) of suchimages, their contrast, their sizes, contents included in such images,arrangement of such images, orientation of such images, or the like. Asdefined above, this 4^(th) type electromagnetic user input includestherein at least one electromagnetic (user) sub-input.

A “5^(th) type user input” relates to an “acoustic user input” which is“acoustic waves” emitted to at least a portion of an input unit capableof receiving the 5^(th) type user input and acquiring an acoustic (user)sub-input included therein. For example, a user may use a certain pen, awearable device (e.g., a watch, a band, a ring, a necklace, a bracelet,an earring, a lens, a nail, a glove, a helmet, a hat, a belt, a goggle,glasses, or a shoe), or other devices portably worn by a user and toemit such acoustic waves to the input unit, or may use another mobilecommunication terminal to emit such waves. In addition, the user mayprovide the input unit with his or her “voice” or a “body sound” usinghis or her body parts such as, e.g., clapping, finger snaps, or thelike. The user may also provide a “non-user sound” to the input unit,where such sounds may be provided to the input unit in a range ofaudible sound waves, ultrasonic waves or other acoustic waves ofspecific frequency ranges.

The 5^(th) type user input may also relate to a “static feature” or a“dynamic feature” of the acoustic user input. Examples of this 5^(th)type user input may include a magnitude of such waves, their phaseangle, their phase lag, their wave-length, their frequency, their flux(a scalar or a vector), or the like. When the 5^(th) type user inputrelates to the above voice or body sound, examples of this 5^(th) typeuser input may include a duration, a tone, an envelope, a location of asource thereof, or the like. As defined above, this 5^(th) type acousticuser input includes therein at least one acoustic (user) sub-input.

In addition to the above, the user input may also include temporalchanges of any the above user inputs such as, e.g., a change in amovement pattern over time, a temporal change in an intensity of forceexerted to the input unit over time, or the like. The user input mayfurther include spatial changes of the above user inputs such as, e.g.,a change in positions of contact between the user's body part and aninput unit, a change in distribution of force applied to a certain areaof an input unit, or the like.

1-7. Single User Input

Like the definition of “concurrent” provided in Section 1-3, a “singleconcurrent effort” is (1) synonymous with a “single simultaneous effort”and (2) abbreviated as a “single effort,” unless otherwise specified.Accordingly, a “single effort” or a “single concurrent effort” includes[1] one effort exercised by a user, or [2] multiple (identical ordifferent) efforts exercised by a user at the same time. In other words,for multiple efforts to be concurrent, there exists at least one commonclock cycle of a processor of a terminal in which a user exercises themultiple efforts and, therefore, such multiple efforts overlap eachother in at least one common clock cycle. When a user exercises morethan two efforts, concurrency of such efforts may be determined based onthe definition of concurrency as provided in Section 1-3, and asexemplified in FIG. 1A.

Unless otherwise specified, a “user input” is synonymous with a “singleuser input” throughout this disclosure. Accordingly, a “user input” or a“single user input” means an input which a user provides to at least aportion of at least one input unit of a mobile communication terminal,when a user provides at least one of the 1^(st), 2^(nd), 3^(rd), 4^(th),and/or 5^(th) type user inputs to the portion of the input unit byexercising a “single effort” through the direct manipulation, indirectmanipulation or other manipulations of at least a portion of the inputunit as will be explained in detail below. That is, when a user providesmultiple user inputs concurrently by exercising a single effort, suchuser inputs are deemed as a single user input. In contrary, when a userexercises multiple efforts to provide multiple user inputs notconcurrently (i.e., sequentially), such user inputs do not qualify as asingle user input.

Therefore, each of a single 1^(st) type user input and a single 3^(rd)user input qualifies as a (single) user input provided to an input unitby a (single) concurrent effort by a user. In addition, [1] two 1^(st)type user inputs qualify as a (single) user input, when a user providesboth user inputs by a (single) concurrent effort, [2] three 5^(th) typeuser inputs qualify as a (single) user input, when a user provides suchthree user inputs by a (single) concurrent effort, and [3] one 1^(st)type user input and three 4^(th) type user inputs can also qualify as a(single) user input, as far as a user provides such four user inputs bya (single) concurrent effort.

Put in different contexts, a user may press a 1^(st) input unit with hisfinger and move his finger over the 1^(st) input unit. If the user moveshis finger while maintaining such pressing (e.g., without detaching thefinger from the input unit), such pressing and moving qualify as asingle (concurrent) effort by the user, for the user exercises suchpressing and moving over at least one common clock cycle of a processorof a terminal. However, when there exists a temporal gap between suchpressing and moving (e.g., pressing, detaching, and then moving), suchpressing and moving may not quality as the single (concurrent) effort,unless the temporal gap is less than 1.5, 1.0, 0.5, or 0.3 second, whichwill be explained in greater below in conjunction with a definition of“multiple quick efforts” which is to be provided in Section 1-8.

In another example, a user may touch a 2^(nd) input unit and provide animage of his face to a 3^(rd) input unit (e.g., by staring at a camera).When the user provides the image while maintaining the touching, suchtouching and providing qualify as a single (concurrent) effort as far asthere exists at least one common clock cycle in which the user exercisessuch touching and providing at the same time. In other words, suchtouching and providing are a single concurrent effort, for there is notemporal gap between such touching and providing.

In another example, a user may press a 1^(st) input unit with a 1^(st)finger and touch a 4^(th) input unit with a 2^(nd) finger. Such pressingand touching can also qualify as a single (concurrent) effort by theuser, as far as there exists at least one common clock cycle in whichthe user performs such pressing and touching, or as far as there is notemporal gap between such pressing and touching.

It is to be understood that a user lives in a world counted by theseconds, hours, days, weeks, months, years, and decades, whereas aterminal or its processor operates in another world of nano- orpico-seconds. Based on the foregoing, definitions about “concurrence”and “sequence” regarding various operations (or steps) run by aprocessor of a terminal may need to be modified when such operations (orsteps) are used in conjunction with a user input, particularly inconjunction with an effort which is exercised by a user input and whichtakes a certain amount of time. For example, a user cannot provide auser input or a (user) sub-input to a terminal instantaneously (e.g.,within one or several clock cycles), but can at best provide the userinput or (user) sub-input over a certain period of time such as, e.g.,within 0.1 second to 1.0 second, which would easily amount to severalmillions of clock cycles of a processor.

To illustrate such characteristics, FIG. 1B describes a schematicdiagram of exemplary concurrent operations (or steps) presented alongclock cycles of a processor of a mobile communication terminal in viewof a user input. In the panel (A) of FIG. 1B, a terminal or itsprocessor (simply a terminal) runs the operation (or step) A₁ during theclock cycles from 004 to 013, and also runs the operation (or step) A₂during the clock cycles from 009 to 019. By the above definition, thisterminal is deemed to “concurrently” run the operations (or steps) A₁and A₂, because both steps overlap each other in five common clockcycles 009 and 013. In addition, a user provides a user input (UI₁)during the clock cycles from 003 to 1,000,003 (now shown in the figure).Because the period of providing UI₁ includes the periods of running theoperations (or steps) A₁ and A₂, a terminal is deemed to run suchoperations A₁ and A₂ concurrently in view of the user input UI₁.

In the panel (B) of FIG. 4, a terminal runs the operation (or step) B₁at a clock cycle 023, and also runs another operation (or step) B₂during the clock cycles from 014 to 029. Thus, this terminal is deemedto “concurrently” run the operations (or steps) B₁ and B₂. When a userprovides a user input (UI₂) during the clock cycles from 003 to1,000,003, a terminal is deemed to run such operations B₁ and B₂concurrently in view of the user input UI₂, for the period of providingUI₂ includes the periods of running the operations (or steps) B₁ and B₂.

In the panel (C) of the figure, a terminal runs the operation (or step)C₁ from a clock cycle 006 to a clock cycle 014, runs the operation (orstep) C₂ from a clock cycle 014 to a clock cycle 022, and runs anotheroperation (or step) C₃ from a clock cycle 020 to a clock cycle 032.Therefore, the terminal is deemed to [1] “concurrently” run theoperations (or steps) C₁ and C₂, and [2] “concurrently” run theoperations (or steps) C₂ and C₃. However, the terminal is deemed to not“concurrently” run the operations (or steps) C₁ and C₃, for they do notoverlap each other in any common clock cycle.

When a user provides a user input (UI₃) during the clock cycles from 003to 1,000,003, the period of providing UI₃ includes the periods ofrunning the operations (or steps) C₁, C₂, and/or C₃. Accordingly, aterminal may be deemed to concurrently run the operations C₁ and C₂ inview of the user input UI₃, to concurrently run the operations C₂ and C₃in view of the user input UI₃, to concurrently run the operations C₃ andC₁ in view of the user input UI₃, and to concurrently run all of suchoperations C₁, C₂, and C₃ in view of the user input UI₃,

It is appreciated that a user may exercise a single effort in variousways. In one example, a user may exercise an “active single effort” byperforming an active action or a voluntary action in providing a singleuser input to an input unit, where examples of such active singleefforts may include [1] mechanical, electrical, magnetic, or opticalmanipulation of at least a portion of an input unit through an activeaction of a user, [2] providing images or voices to an input unitthrough an active action of a user (e.g., voluntarily staring at acamera to provide an image or actively talking to a speaker), or thelike.

In another example, a user may exercise a “passive single effort” or an“inactive single effort” by passively or involuntarily providing asingle user input to an input unit. For example, a terminal may receivea single user input and acquire at least one (user) sub-input therefromeven when a user does not actively or voluntarily take any action.Therefore, when a terminal obtains an image of an eye of a user who isnot actively staring at a camera of a terminal and processes the imageas a user input, a user may be deemed to exercise a passive singleeffort to provide a single user input to the terminal. Similarly, when aterminal obtains a user voice while he or she is talking to anotherperson and uses such voice as a user input without user's knowing, auser may also be deemed to exercise an inactive single effort. Inaddition, when a terminal obtains environmental sounds without requiringa user to record such sounds, and uses such sounds as a user input, auser may further be deemed to exercise a passive single effort. Withinthe scope of this disclosure, a “single effort” is defined tocollectively include not only to an “active single effort” but also a“passive single effort” therein.

1-8. Multiple Quick Efforts

As defined in Section 1-7, a “user input” or a “single user input” meansan input which a user provides to at least one input unit of a terminalby exercising a “single effort.” However, a user may repeat an identical“quick effort” more than once to provide a certain user input, whereexamples of such repeated efforts may include quick double clicks,double taps, triple clicks, triple taps, or the like. By definition,such multiple clicks or taps are separated from each other by temporalgaps and, therefore, such quick clicks or quick taps may not qualify asa single user input.

In reality, however, a user repeats such multiple quick clicks (or taps)to provide a terminal with a single preset user input, and a terminalmay recognize such multiple quick efforts as a single preset user inputsuch that, e.g., a terminal receives a user input for running a 1^(st)operation in response to a single tap, but receives a different userinput for running a 2^(nd) operation in response to double taps. In suchcases, the “multiple quick efforts” are deemed to qualify as a “userinput” or a “single user input” when a user repeats such effortsquickly, within a certain period of time such as 1.5, 1.0, 0.5, or 0.3second. In addition, when a terminal may recognize a single user inputwhen a user repeats such multiple efforts within 1.7, 2.0, 3.0 seconds,such multiple quick efforts are also deemed as a user input or a singleuser input, depending upon a control setting.

In contrary to such multiple quick clicks or taps which are repetitionsof the same effort, multiple quick efforts may include different effortsexercised by a user, usually by using different body parts, by usingdifferent non-user objects, by applying different user inputsconcurrently to different input units, or the like. For example, a usermay manipulate a portion of a 1^(st) input unit once (e.g., a button),while speaking to a 2^(nd) input unit (e.g., a microphone) concurrently.Such touching and speaking can then qualify as a single user input, asfar as the touching and speaking overlap in at least one common clockcycle. Even when a user touches the portion of the 1^(st) input unit andthen speaks to the 2^(nd) input unit after a certain period (i.e., atemporal gap), such touching and speaking can also qualify as a singleuser input when the gap is less than 1.5, 1.0, 0.5, or 0.3 second.

In another example, a user may press a portion of a 3^(rd) input unit(e.g., a touch screen) once with a stylus (or a pointer), while staringat a 4^(th) input unit (e.g., a camera) concurrently. Such pressing andstaring can qualify as a single user input as well. Even when a userpresses the portion of the 3^(rd) input unit and then stares at the4^(th) input unit after a certain period (i.e., a temporal gap), suchpressing and staring may still qualify as a single user input when thegap is less than 1.5, 1.0, 0.5, or 0.3 second.

In yet another example, a user may exercise multiple efforts byrepeating the same effort, while manipulating a static or dynamicfeature of such efforts. Examples of such features may include, but notlimited to, a length of the efforts, an extent (or strength) of theefforts, a direction thereof, a temporal gap between two neighboringefforts, a temporal overlap along two adjacent efforts, a number of theefforts, a sequence of the efforts, or the like. Therefore, whilepressing a portion of an input unit, a user may press such a portionharder, may shift a direction of pressing, may repeat pressing withoutdetaching a hand therefrom, or the like, thereby providing different andunique quick actions which a terminal may recognize as a different andunique single user input.

1-9. Multiple Concurrent User Inputs

Similar to the definition of the “concurrence” as provided in Section1-3. “multiple concurrent user inputs” refer to those user inputs whichare provided to a terminal by a user concurrently with each other,simultaneously with each other, or at the same time. Therefore, multipleconcurrent user inputs [1] may be deemed as a “single user input” or [2]may cause the same result as the single user input, when the multipleuser inputs are provided to a single or multiple input units in such away that there exists at least one clock cycle of a processor of aterminal in which such multiple user inputs are provided to theterminal.

FIG. 1A of Section 1-3 may be utilized again to determine whether or notmultiple user inputs may qualify as concurrent user inputs, by regardingvarious operations (or steps) shown FIG. 1A (e.g., A₁ and A₂, B₁ and B₂,C₁ and C₂, and D₁ to D₃) as individual user inputs. Then, in the panel(A), the user inputs, A₁ and A₂, qualify as the concurrent user inputs,for they overlap each other in two common clock cycles 009 and 010.Similarly, in the panel (B), the user inputs, B₁ and B₂, also qualify asthe concurrent user inputs, for they overlap each other in a singlecommon clock cycle 020.

In the panel (C), the user inputs, C₁ and C₂, qualify as the concurrentuser input, for they overlap each other in the single common clock cycle023, even though a user provides C₂ for a period which is extremelylonger than that for C₁. In the panel (D), the user inputs, D₁ and D₂,qualify as the concurrent user inputs, and the user inputs, D₂ and D₃,also qualify as the concurrent user inputs. However, the user inputs, D₁and D₃, do not qualify as the concurrent user inputs, for they areseparated by a temporal gap which corresponds to the clock cycle 015.

Based upon such definitions, a user may provide multiple concurrent userinputs in various ways such as, e.g., [1] by providing multipleconcurrent user inputs of the same type to a single input unit, [2] byproviding multiple concurrent user inputs of the same type to at leasttwo different input units, [3] by providing multiple concurrent userinputs of different types to a single input unit, [4] by providingmultiple concurrent user inputs of different types to at least twodifferent input units, or the like, where such user inputs may be one ofthe 1^(st), 2^(nd), 3^(rd), 4^(th), or 5^(th) type user input asdescribed above. In addition, a user may provide such user inputs whileemploying one of the 1^(st) movement of a directional input unit, the2^(nd) movement of such an input unit, the 3^(rd) movement with respectto such an input unit, or the 4^(th) movement with respect thereto. Inother words, a user may provide such multiple concurrent user inputs ashe or she sees fit, as long as a directional input unit or other inputunits allow such movement or maneuver of a user.

It is appreciated that a terminal may receive multiple user inputs notconcurrently but sequentially, but may still concurrently acquiremultiple (user) sub-inputs. For example, a user may detach his or herbody part (or a non-user object) from a portion of a directional inputunit after manipulating a 1^(st) portion of the input unit but beforemanipulating a 2^(nd) portion of the same or different input unit,thereby providing a 1^(st) user input and then, after a certain temporalgap, providing a 2^(nd) user input.

However, even when a terminal receives multiple sequential user inputs,a terminal may concurrently acquire multiple (user) sub-inputstherefrom, e.g., [1] when a terminal starts to acquire the (user)sub-inputs only when a terminal completes to receive all sequential userinputs, [2] when a terminal conditions acquisition of some (user)sub-inputs upon acquiring a certain (user) sub-input in a concurrentmanner, or the like. Even though a terminal acquires multiple (user)sub-inputs concurrently, such user inputs are not deemed to beconcurrent within the scope of this disclosure.

1-10. Simplified and Oversized User Inputs

As briefly discussed above, even when a user provides only a 1^(st)number of (user) sub-inputs, a terminal may be able to run a 2^(nd)number of operations during its powering on or waking up, where the1^(st) and 2^(nd) numbers may not be necessarily identical to eachother. In one example, a user may provide a single user input which mayinclude UI_(SEL) and one of UI_(THEN) and UI_(ACT). In response to sucha user input, a terminal may then run such selecting, in addition torunning both of such authenticating and turning on, e.g., byconditioning one of such authenticating or turning on upon theselecting, either concurrently or sequentially. In another example, auser may provide a single user input which includes only UI_(SEL).However, a terminal may also run such selecting, turning on, andauthenticating by conditioning both of such turning on andauthenticating upon such selecting.

For simplicity of illustration, a user input exemplified in thisparagraph is to be referred to as a “simplified user input” hereinafterin such a sense that a smaller number of (user) sub-inputs renders aterminal run a greater number of operations during or after powering onor waking up. This arrangement is generally beneficial to a user, forthe user may render a terminal run all necessary operations necessary topower on or to wake up, by simply providing a user input which includesa reduced number of (user) sub-inputs. This arrangement is alsobeneficial to a manufacturer of terminal as well, for a manufacturer maycut down a manufacturing cost of a terminal by decreasing a number ofhardware elements to be included in a terminal and may also fabricate aterminal in a more compact or portable configuration.

Conversely, even when a user provides a user input including therein agreater number of (user) sub-inputs, a terminal may run only a smallernumber of operations during a powering on or waking up. In one example,a user may provide a single user input which includes all three ofUI_(SEL), UI_(THEN), and UI_(ACT), however, a terminal may perform onlytwo of such selecting, authenticating, and turning on by conditioningone of such selecting or turning on upon such authenticating. That is, aterminal may be configured to forego and skip such turning on [1] when auser fails the authenticating or [2] when a user provides UI_(SEL) whichis not listed in a matching list. In another example, a user may providea single user input including all of UI_(SEL), UI_(THEN), and UI_(ACT),however, a terminal may perform only one of such selecting, suchauthenticating, and such turning on by conditioning both of suchselecting and such turning on upon such authenticating. That is, aterminal may not perform the selecting or turning on when a user failsthe authenticating.

For illustration purposes, a user input exemplified in the precedingparagraph is referred to as an “oversized user input” hereinafter, in asense that a greater number of (user) sub-inputs may cause a terminal torun a fewer number of operations during or after waking up. Thisarrangement is generally beneficial to a user, for the user may render aterminal run all necessary operations to wake up only when a certaincondition is met, thereby reducing a chance of a false wake up, a chanceof a false activation, or the like.

1-11. (User) Sub-Inputs

As used herein, a “(user) sub-input” or simply a “sub-input” is anelement of a user input which causes an input unit to generate a“control signal.” Therefore, a “(user) sub-input” or a “sub-input” isdefined as a basic element of a user input. To acquire such (user)sub-inputs, an input unit includes at least one sensing element (i.e., asensor), where configurational or operational characteristics of such asensor may depend upon a nature of a (user) sub-input to monitor.Accordingly, when a 1^(st) input unit is to receive a mechanical, 1^(st)type user input, the 1^(st) input unit may preferably include amechanical sensor capable of acquiring a mechanical (user) sub-inputincluded in the user input. Alternatively, when a 2^(nd) input unit isto receive acoustic, 5^(th) type user input, the 2^(nd) input unit maypreferably include an acoustic sensor capable of acquiring an acoustic(user) sub-input included in the user input.

A user input of this disclosure may include therein at least one ofmultiple (user) sub-inputs such as, e.g., [1] a selecting (user)sub-input (UI_(SEL)), [2] an activation (user) sub-input (UI_(ACT)), [3]an authentication (user) sub-input (UI_(THEN)), [4] a mode-switching(user) sub-input (UI_(SWI)), and [5] an auxiliary (user) sub-input(UI_(AUX)). In this context, when an input unit “receives a user input,”it is presumed that a proper sensor (or a sensing element) of the inputunit “acquires at least one (user) sub-input” from the user input.

In particular, when a user provides a user input to select an operationwhich is to be run by a terminal while or (immediately) after [1]switching from a powered-off state to a powered-on state or [2]switching from an off-state to an on-state, it is deemed that a userinput includes UI_(SEI), and that the user input may optionally includeat least one of other (user) sub-inputs such as UI_(ACT), UI_(THEN),UI_(SWI), and UI_(AUX). Therefore, upon receiving (or in response to) auser input including UI_(SEL), a terminal acquires UI_(SEL) therefrom,and runs the selected operation which is selected from multiplepre-selected operations. As will be described below, however, a terminalmay also run an operation which is not selected by a user while or(immediately after) one of the above [1] and [2] in response to a userinput which does not include any UI_(SEL) as well, e.g., when runningthe selected operation is conditioned upon other operations such as, anauthentication operation, an activation operation, or the like.

It is appreciated that a user may preferably include a certain number of(user) sub-inputs in a single user input. In response to receiving sucha user input or in response to acquiring such (user) sub-inputs, aterminal may run various operations. Therefore, a 1^(st) number of such(user) sub-inputs included in the user input is typically equal to a2^(nd) number of operations which are to be run by a terminal inresponse to the user input.

It is appreciated, however, that the above 1^(st) number may notnecessarily be the same as the above 2^(nd) number. In one case, aterminal may automatically run (or start to run) an authenticationoperation upon (or in response to) acquiring UI_(SEL). In another case,a terminal may turn on (or start to turn on) a display unit in response(or upon) acquiring UI_(SEL). In such cases, the 1^(st) number may beless than the 2^(nd) number. To the contrary, the 1^(st) number may begreater than the 2^(nd) number. In one case, a terminal may acquireUI_(ACT), UI_(THEN), and UI_(SEL) from a single user input, and then mayturn on a display unit and then run the selected operation only when auser passes the user authenticating. When a user fails the userauthenticating, a terminal may stay in a powered-off state or in anoff-state, without running any other operation. In this case, a terminalends up running only one operation, despite acquiring three (user)sub-inputs.

It then follows that the above 1^(st) number may be equal to, greaterthan or less than the above 2^(nd) number. In addition, it then alsofollows that, even when the 1^(st) number is equal to the 2^(nd) number,the operations run by a terminal may not correspond to each of such(user) sub-inputs provided to a single or multiple input units.

1-11-1. Activation (User) Sub-Input (UI_(ACT))

A 1^(st) of various exemplary (user) sub-inputs is [1] an “activation(user) sub-input (UI_(ACT)),” [2] an “activation sub-input (UI_(ACT)),”or [3] simply UI_(ACT), all of which “activate” a terminal by causingthe terminal to run an activation (or turning-on) operation and bycausing the terminal to turn on its display unit in response to(receiving) the user input or to (acquiring) UI_(ACT). For simplicity ofillustration, an input unit for receiving a user input includingUI_(ACT) therein is to be referred to as an “activation input unit”hereinafter, whereas a sensor of such an activation input unit is to bereferred to as an “activation sensor” hereinafter. It is appreciatedthat a terminal may include a (main) input unit and a separateactivation input unit or that a single input unit may serve as receivingthe user input including UI_(ACT) and at least one more (user)sub-input.

When a terminal includes multiple display units, UI_(ACT) may cause aterminal to turn on at least one or all display units. Because aterminal executes (or starts to execute) at least one unexecuted (orremaining) step of an operation of turning on a display unit onceacquiring UI_(ACT), the terminal (more particularly, a CPU unit, an O/S,or a software application) may neither run an activation operation norturn on a display unit without UI_(ACT).

An activation input unit may use any conventional activation sensorwhich can generate a control signal which in turn can be recognized by aterminal as UI_(ACT) and which can cause a terminal to run an activationoperation. Accordingly, the activation input unit may operatemechanically, electrically, optically or magnetically, while generatinga mechanical, electrical, optical or magnetic control signal with itsactivation sensor in response to UI_(ACT). It is appreciated that aterminal does not always require UI_(ACT) to run an activation operationand to turn on a display unit, for an activation operation may beconditioned upon other operations. For example, a terminal may turn on adisplay unit whenever a user passes user authenticating, regardless ofwhether or not an input unit has received a user input includingUI_(ACT).

A user may provide UI_(ACT) in various timings such as, e.g., [1]concurrently with at least one of UI_(SEL), UI_(THEN), UI_(SWI), andUI_(AUX), [2] when providing a single concurrent user input (e.g., bymanipulating a single input unit or multiple input units concurrently),[3] when providing multiple non-concurrent user inputs (e.g., bysequentially manipulating multiple input units or by sequentiallymanipulating different portions of an input unit), or the like. A usermay concurrently provide UI_(ACT) along with at least one of UI_(SWI),UI_(SEL) or UI_(THEN), e.g., by concurrently manipulating [1] a singleinput unit, [2] multiple input units, or [3] at least two parts of asingle input unit.

1-11-2. Authentication (User) Sub-Input (UI_(THEN))

A 2^(nd) exemplary (user) sub-input is [1] an “authentication (user)sub-input (UI_(THEN)),” [2] an “authentication sub-input (UI_(THEN))” or[3] simply UI_(THEN), all of which “authenticate” a user by causing aterminal to run at least one authentication operation in response to [1](receiving) a user input or [2] (acquiring) UI_(THEN). For simplicity ofillustration, an input unit capable of receiving a user input whichincludes UI_(THEN) therein is to be referred to as an “authenticationinput unit” hereinafter, while a sensor of the authentication input unitis to be referred to as an “authentication sensor” hereinafter. It isappreciated that a terminal may include a (main) input unit and aseparate authentication input unit or that a single input unit may serveas receiving a user input including UI_(THEN) and at least one more(user) sub-input.

When a terminal includes multiple input units assigned to userauthentication, UI_(THEN) may cause a terminal to drive at least one (orall) of such input units. Because the terminal executes (or starts toexecute) at least one unexecuted (or remaining step) of anauthentication operation once acquiring UI_(THEN), the terminal (i.e., aCPU unit, an O/S, or a software application) may not run anyauthentication operation without UI_(THEN).

An authentication input unit may employ any conventional authenticationsensor which can generate a control signal which in turn can berecognized by a terminal as UI_(THEN) and which can cause a terminal torun at least one authentication operation. Accordingly, theauthentication input unit may operate mechanically, electrically,optically or magnetically, while generating various mechanical,electrical, optical or magnetic control signals with its authenticationsensor in response to UI_(THEN). It is appreciated that a terminal doesnot always require UI_(THEN) to run an authentication operation,particularly when an authentication operation is conditioned upon otheroperations. For example, even when a terminal does not receive a userinput including UI_(THEN) therein, the terminal may run anauthentication operation and authenticate a current user, [1] whenever aterminal is to switch states or modes in response to acquiring UI_(SWI),[2] whenever a user attempts to switch to a new mode or to a new state,[3] following a preset execution sequence of an O/S or a softwareapplication, or the like.

A terminal may use various user-related or user-irrelevant informationas UI_(THEN). For example, UI_(THEN) may be, may correspond to, or mayaccompany at least one of following “biometric information” of a usersuch as, e.g., [1] an image of a body part (e.g., a fingerprint, a hand,a palm, a wrist, an iris, a retina, an eye, an ear, a nose, a face,another body part, blood vessels, a distribution pattern of suchvessels, a blood flow rate, a blood flow pattern, or the like), [2]electrical (including resistive, conductive, or capacitive) signalsrepresenting or related to biometric information of a user, [3] opticalor magnetic signals representing or related to biometric information ofa user, [4] a user sound (including a voice, a finger snap, or a clap)or other sounds related to such biometric information, or [5]physiological features (e.g., body temperature, blood pressure, an ECG,a heart rate, other cardiovascular features, a breathing rate, breathingsound, other respiratory features, gastrointestinal features such as amovement of stomach or intestines, an EMG, an EEG, or other skeletal ormuscular features). In addition, UI_(THEN) may be, may correspond to, ormay accompany at least one of the following “dynamic biometricinformation” of a user such as, e.g., [1] a displacement or a movementof a body part, [2] a velocity thereof, [3] an acceleration, [4] itsposition in a 2-D plane or in a 3-D space, [5] a gesture of a body part,or the like.

A terminal may use non-biometric information as UI_(THEN) as well. Forexample, UI_(THEN) may be, may correspond to, or may accompanyinformation regarding a password or a pass code, a non-user image, anon-user sound, a non-user light, non-user acoustic or electromagneticwaves, or the like. A terminal may also use its own static or dynamicfeature as UI_(THEN). For example, a terminal may monitor a displacementor a movement of its part, its velocity or an acceleration, itsposition, a number of movements, a sequence of the movements, a durationof the movements, its orientation (e.g., facing up or down, tilted at anangle, or the like), or any other related information, and use suchfeatures as UI_(THEN), and authenticate a user based thereon. As far asthere exists mutual agreement between a terminal and a user, anyinformation may be recruited as UI_(THEN).

A user may provide UI_(THEN) through various manipulations such as,e.g., [1] by manipulating a single portion of an authentication inputunit, [2] by manipulating multiple portions of a single authenticationinput unit, or [3] by manipulating at least two portions of at least twoauthentication input units, where such manipulating in [2] or [3] may beconcurrent, sequential or a combination thereof. A user may provideUI_(THEN) in various timings such as, e.g., concurrently with [1]providing either UI_(SEL) or UI_(ACT), [2] providing both of UI_(SEL)and UI_(ACT), [3] providing all of such UI_(SEL), UI_(ACT), andUI_(SWI), or the like. To this end, a user may [1] include multiple(user) sub-inputs into a single user input and provide that user inputto a single input unit, [2] include multiple (user) sub-inputs intomultiple user inputs and provide the user inputs to a single input uniteither concurrently or sequentially, [3] include multiple sub-inputs inmultiple user inputs and provide them to multiple input units eitherconcurrently or sequentially, or the like.

A user may exercise an “active single effort” by performing a voluntaryaction to provide UI_(THEN) to an input unit, where examples of suchvoluntary actions may include [1] swiping a finger over anauthentication input unit or pressing such an input unit with a fingerto provide UI_(THEN) about a fingerprint, [2] staring at a camera toprovide UI_(THEN) about an image of an iris, a retina, or a face, [3]talking to a microphone to provide UI_(THEN) about a user's voice, orthe like. A user may exercise “multiple active quick efforts” byperforming multiple voluntary actions to provide UI_(THEN) as well.

In the alternative, a terminal may acquire at least one UI_(THEN) on itsown without necessarily requiring a user to take an active action.Accordingly, a terminal may take an image of an eye of a user, mayobtain a user voice, or may record environmental sounds, and thenacquire UI_(THEN) from the image, voice, or sounds, regardless ofwhether or not [1] a user voluntarily stares at a camera, [2] a userspeaks only to a terminal, without talking to a 3^(rd) person on theother line, or the like. In such cases, a user may be deemed to exercisea “passive single effort” by performing an involuntary action to provideUI_(THEN) to an input unit

Once an input unit of a terminal receives a (single) user input from auser, a sensor of the input unit acquires UI_(THEN) therefrom. Inresponse thereto, a terminal (i.e., its processor, its O/S or itssoftware application) may then start to execute program codes of anauthentication application, and determines whether or not a current usermay pass the user authenticating. More particularly, a terminal may (1)execute “comparing steps” of the authentication application by comparingUI_(THEN) with biometric information of a user which is pre-stored inthe terminal, and (2) execute “determining steps” of the authenticationapplication by determining whether a current user passes (i.e., a“pass”) or fails (i.e., a “fail”) the user authenticating.

1-11-3. Selecting (User) Sub-Input (UI_(SEL))

A 3^(rd) exemplary (user) sub-input is [1] a “selecting (user) sub-input(UI_(SEL)),” [2] a “selecting sub-input (UI_(SEL))” or [3] simplyUI_(SEL), all of which cause a terminal to “select” at least oneoperation from a set of multiple pre-selected operations. Upon acquiringUI_(SEL), a terminal (i.e., a CPU member, an O/S, or a softwareapplication) may locate or may identify at least one operation (i.e.,“selects”) from a set of multiple pre-selected operations based uponUI_(SEL), where a user desires a terminal to run the selected operationupon or (immediately) after a terminal may switch [1] from a powered-offstate to a powered-on state or [2] from an off-state to an on-state.Because a terminal may execute (or start to execute) at least oneunexecuted (or remaining) step of a selecting operation once acquiringUI_(SEL), a terminal may not run any selecting operation withoutUI_(SEL).

For simplicity of illustration, an input unit capable of receiving auser input which includes UI_(SEL) therein is to be referred to as a“selecting input unit” hereinafter, while a sensor of the selectinginput unit is to be referred to as a “selecting sensor” hereinafter. Itis appreciated that a terminal may include a (main) input unit as wellas a separate selecting input unit, or that a single input unit mayserve as receiving the user input including UI_(SEL) and at least onemore (user) sub-input.

A terminal selects the selected operation based on UI_(SEL) by referringto a “matching list” which includes all pre-selected operations whichhave been pre-selected by a user or by a terminal. More particularly andas used herein, a “matching list” means a database which may include [1]a list of matchings (or assignments) between multiple pre-selectedoperations and multiple UI_(SEL)'s, or [2] another list of matchings (orassignments) between multiple UI_(SEL)'s and multiple control signals.In other words, once a terminal acquires UI_(SEL) from a user input, aterminal may identify [1] at least one pre-selected operation whichmatches the acquired UI_(SEL), or [2] at least one control signal whichmatches the acquired UI_(SEL).

That is, upon acquiring UI_(SEL), a terminal matches the acquiredUI_(SEL) with each of such pre-selected operations, and then locates atleast one pre-selected operation which matches UI_(SEL). BecauseUI_(SEL)'s and pre-selected operations are already listed in thematching list, a step of selecting a correct entry (i.e., at least onepre-selected operation which is intended by a user to run while or aftera terminal powers on or wakes up) from the matching list based onanother entry (i.e., one of UI_(SEL)'s provided by a user and acquiredby an input unit) amounts to a simple matching step or a locating step.Accordingly, the step of selecting a correct entry from the matchinglist which is filled only with existing information may be differentfrom determining or deciding steps which are typically involved in,e.g., an authentication operation where a terminal compares pre-storedauthentication information with UI_(THEN) which is provided by a user,[1] for UI_(THEN) may not be a correct sub-input, [2] for UI_(THEN) maynot match pre-existing authentication information stored in a terminal,or the like.

A user may provide different selecting (user) sub-inputs (UI_(SEL)'s) bymanipulating, e.g., [1] a type, a nature or a pattern of a “1^(st)movement” of at least one (movable) portion of a directional input unit,[2] a type, a nature or a pattern of a “2^(nd) movement” of at least onebody part of a user with respect to at least one portion of such adirectional input unit, while a user maintains a mechanical, electrical,magnetic or optical contact between his or her body part and the portionof the directional input unit, [3] a type, a nature or a pattern of a“3^(rd) movement” of at least one non-user object with respect to atleast one portion of the directional input unit, while maintaining amechanical, electrical, magnetic or optical contact between the non-userobject and the portion of such an input unit, [4] a type, a nature or apattern of a “4^(th) movement” of at least one body part or non-userobject with respect to at least one portion of a directional input unit,where such a body part or non-user object is positioned away from adirectional input unit at a certain distance, or the like. In addition,a terminal may acquire UI_(SEL) from [1] an extent, a magnitude or anamplitude of at least one of the 1^(st), 2^(nd), 3^(rd) or 4^(th)movement as described above, [2] a direction of at least one of the1^(st), 2^(nd), 3^(rd) or 4^(th) movement, [3] a sequence of at leasttwo of such movements where such two movements may be different fromeach other or may be a repetition of the same movement, [4] any staticor dynamic feature of such movements or those features related to suchmovements, or the like.

A user may provide UI_(SEL) to a directional input unit with a singleuser input which may optionally include other (user) sub-inputs.Alternatively, a user may provide such UI_(SEL) to a directional inputunit by supplying multiple concurrent or sequential user inputs to asingle portion of a directional input unit or to multiple portions ofthe same input unit, where at least one of the user inputs may accompanyUI_(SEL) therein. Alternatively, a user may provide UI_(SEL) to adirectional input unit while supplying multiple concurrent or sequentialuser inputs to multiple input units, where at least one of the userinputs includes UI_(SEL) therein, and where a directional input unit mayreceive the user input including UI_(SEL). When a user provides multipleconcurrent user inputs, it may not matter into which user input UI_(SEL)is to be included, for a terminal can acquire not only UI_(SEL) but alsoanother (user) sub-input concurrently with each other. However, when auser provides multiple sequential user inputs, a user may includeUI_(SEL) into a 1^(st) user input in order to guarantee seamlessoperations.

Upon or (immediately) after acquiring UI_(SEL), a proper input unit(such as a directional input unit of this disclosure) may generate acontrol signal and send the signal to a terminal. The terminal may thenrun (or starts to run) a “selecting operation” while or (immediately)after a terminal may power on or may wake up. Although a terminaltypically requires UI_(SEL) to select an operation intended by a userfrom a set of multiple pre-selected operations while (or immediately)after powering up or waking up, a terminal does not always requireUI_(SEL) to select the intended operation, particularly when a terminalmay guess a user's intention using various prior art algorithms basedon, e.g., big data, artificial intelligence, or the like.

1-11-4. Mode-Switching (User) Sub-Input (UI_(SWI))

A 4^(th) exemplary (user) sub-input is [1] a “mode-switching (user)sub-input (UI_(SWI)),” [2] a “mode-switching sub-input (UI_(SWI))” or[3] simply UI_(SWI), all of which “switch” a mode of operation bycausing a terminal [1] to advance to one mode from an off-state or apowered-off state, or [2] to switch from a current mode to a new mode inresponse [1] to (receiving) a user input or [2] to (acquiring) UI_(SWI).Because a terminal may execute (or start to execute) at least oneunexecuted (or remaining) step of a mode-switching operation onceacquiring UI_(SWI), a terminal (more particularly, a CPU member, an O/S,or a software application) may not run any mode-switching operationwithout UI_(SWI).

It is appreciated that an input unit capable of receiving a user inputincluding UI_(SWI), therein is referred to as a “mode-switching inputunit” hereinafter, while a sensor of the mode-switching input unit is tobe referred to as a “mode-switching sensor” hereinafter. In addition, to“switch modes” or “mode switching” collectively refers to any of thefollowing mode switching such as, e.g., [1] to “advance” to a certainstate or mode from its “powered-off state,” [2] to “advance” to acertain state or mode from its “off-state,” [3] to “switch” from acurrent mode to a new mode while in an “on-state” (i.e., when a terminalis communicable and not completely powered off, and a display unit is orhas been turned on), [4] to “advance” to an off-state from one mode(i.e., in the on-state), or [5] to “advance” to a powered-off state fromone mode (i.e., in the on-state).

A user may provide UI_(SWI) to a mode-switching input unit with a singleuser input which may optionally include other (user) sub-inputs therein.Alternatively, a user may provide UI_(SWI) to an input unit whilesupplying multiple concurrent or sequential user inputs to one portionof the input unit or to multiple portions of the same input unit, whereat least one of the user inputs may include UI_(SWI) therein.Alternatively, a user may provide UI_(SWI) concurrently or sequentiallyto multiple input units, where at least one of such user inputs includesUI_(SWI) and where at least one of the input units serves as amode-switching input unit. When a user provides multiple concurrent userinputs, it does not matter in which user input UI_(SWI) is to beincluded, for a terminal can acquire not only UI_(SWI) but also anothersub-input concurrently with each other. However, when a user providesmultiple user inputs sequentially, a user may include UI_(SWI) in a1^(st) user input, particularly when a user desires to seamlessly switchmodes along with, e.g., turning on a display unit, running userauthenticating, or the like.

Upon or after acquiring UI_(SWI), an mode-switching sensor of the inputunit may generate a control signal and send the control signal toanother unit of the terminal. The terminal may execute (or start toexecute) at least one remaining (or unexecuted) step of the aboveselecting step, and may run (or start to run) the remaining steps of a“mode-switching operation.”

1-12. Run an Operation

It is a terminal [1] which “drives” various hardware or software elementand [2] which “runs” various operations. More particularly, driving anO/S, at least one (software) application, or a CPU member of a terminalleads to running at least one operation. For simplicity of illustration,“an O/S, a (software) application, or a CPU member of a terminal” is tobe referred to as a “terminal” in this disclosure. Accordingly, aterminal may run an operation by driving at least one portion of a CPUmember, an O/S, or a (software) application. Similarly, a phrase “run anoperation” is synonymous with “run at least one operation” or “run atleast one pre-determined operation.”

To “run an operation” typically includes therein at least one ofmultiple steps such as, e.g., [1] at least one step of retrieving datawhich have been pre-stored in a terminal, [2] at least one step ofretrieving a system setting or a user preference related to running anoperation, [3] at least one step of preparing at least one hardwareelement ready to run an operation (e.g., erasing a volatile ornon-volatile memory unit, getting electrical power supply ready, or thelike), [4] at least one step of supplying electrical power to a hardwareelement, [5] at least one step of driving the element (e.g.,manipulating a hardware element or executing computer instructions of asoftware element to perform a function), [6] at least one step ofstoring data obtained from driving the element, [7] at least one step ofstoring, utilizing, or erasing results obtained from such driving, orthe like.

To this end, a terminal may employ one or more arrangements such as,e.g., [1] a terminal may retrieve data (or results) from a memory unit,[2] a terminal may clear a memory unit before driving a hardware orsoftware element, [3] a terminal may supply electrical power to at leastone hardware element, thereby rendering the element ready to run anoperation, [4] a terminal may drive at least one software element [4-1]by executing a set of computer instructions or [4-2] by dividing thecomputer instructions to two or more sections and executing suchsections sequentially, concurrently or in a combination thereof, or thelike. Regardless of such differences, an “operation” may be deemed to“have not been completed” as far as a terminal may not proceed toexecute any unexecuted or remaining steps of a (software) applicationwhich are required to “run” a certain operation.

Once receiving a user input or in response to the user input, a terminalmay drive (or start to drive) at least one hardware or software element,and may run (or start to run) at least one operation. Alternatively, aterminal may drive at least one 1^(st) hardware or software element inresponse to receiving a 1^(st) user input, and may then run a 2^(nd)operation automatically (or on its own), even without receiving a 2^(nd)user input to run the 2^(nd) operation, where an example may include aterminal which drives a 2^(nd) element and runs a 2^(nd) operation uponobtaining a certain outcome from running a 1^(st) operation with a1^(st) element. This arrangement is referred to as driving a 2^(nd)element and running a 2^(nd) operation “conditioned upon” driving a1^(st) element and running a 1^(st) operation.

In this disclosure, a terminal may drive a hardware or software element[1] upon receiving (or in response to) a user input and/or [2] inresponse to (or upon) acquiring at least one (user) sub-input. Forexample, a terminal may [1] “run a selecting operation” in response toUI_(SEL), [2] “run an activation operation” in response to UI_(ACT), [3]“run an authentication operation” in response to UI_(THEN), [4] “run amode-switching operation” in response to UI_(SWI), or the like. Becausea single user input may include more than one (user) sub-input, aterminal may also drive multiple elements, and may run multipleoperations upon receiving (or in response to) a single user input, wheresuch multiple elements or operations may be identical to or differentfrom each other.

1-12-1. Run an Activation Operation

As used herein, an “activation operation” means an operation to switch(or to start to switch) a terminal from an off-state to an on-state.Accordingly, an “activation operation” also means an operation to switch(or to start to switch) a display unit from an off-state to an on-state,and is synonymous with [1] an “operation of turning on a display unit”while (or when) a display unit is (or has been) turned off, or [2] an“operation of switching a display unit from an off state to an onstate.”

By the same token and as used herein, to “run an activation operation”is synonymous with to “run an operation of turning on a display unit”while (or when) a display unit is (or has been) turned off. Thus, to runan activation operation is synonymous with “turning on a display unit”or simply “turning on.”

“Running an activation operation” or “turning on a display unit” mayinclude one or more of multiple steps such as, e.g., [1] at least onestep of acquiring UI_(ACT) along with other (user) sub-inputs whendesirable, [2] closing an electrical switch of a display unit orotherwise rendering the display unit ready to be turned on, [3]supplying electric current to a display unit, or the like. Because adisplay unit has to display something once being turned on, “running anactivation operation” or “turning on” may also include one of [4]selecting a default screen to be displayed on a display unit when adisplay unit is turned on from an off-state, [5] displaying a new screenon a display unit or replacing or overlaying a current screen with a newscreen when a display unit has been turned on, or the like.

A terminal may also employ different arrangements for providing suchscreens. For example, a terminal may [1] render a screen ready while adisplay unit is turned off so that a display unit displays apre-selected screen concurrently with (or immediately after) beingturned on, [2] select a certain screen to be displayed on a display unitonly after acquiring UI_(ACT), [3] receive a screen to be displayed froman external device or source (such as, e.g., a website or a cloud), [4]change the screen randomly or in a certain order, or the like.

Regardless of the differences in detailed configurations, however, an“activation operation” is deemed to have not been completed while (or aslong as) a display unit remains (or is) turned off. In other words, oneor multiple unexecuted (or remaining) steps of an “activation operation”have not been executed while (or as long as) a display unit is orremains turned off. Therefore, while a display unit is in its off state(i.e., remains turned off), an “activation operation” and a “turning on”is deemed to have not been completed.

A terminal may synchronize “timings” between such turning on and otheroperations to be run by the terminal. Such timings related to turning ona display unit are referred to as “turning-on timings” hereinafter.Examples of such turning-on timings may include running an activationoperation [1] “concurrently with” receiving a user input includingUI_(ACT) therein; [2] “concurrently with” receiving another user inputwhich does not include UI_(ACT) therein; [3] “immediately after”receiving the user input of [1] or [2], where the “immediately” isdefined above, [4] after receiving the user input of [1] or [2] but“before” a user provides another user input, [5] concurrently withrunning an authentication operation (e.g., upon determining whether auser passes such authenticating), [6] immediately after running anauthentication operation, or the like.

1-12-2. Run an Authentication Operation

As used herein, to “run at least one authentication operation” or simplyto “run an authentication operation” is synonymous with “userauthenticating” or “authenticating” hereinafter. As also used herein, an“authentication operation” refers to an operation with which a terminalchecks or determines [1] whether or not a current user is an authorizeduser, [2] whether or not a current user may have access authority todrive a certain hardware or software element of a main system of aterminal, [3] whether or not a current user may run a certain operation,[4] whether or not a current user may use certain options while drivinga certain hardware or software element, or the like. To this end, aterminal compares acquired UI_(THEN) of a current user withauthentication information which has been stored in the terminal (i.e.,a pre-stored UI_(THEN)).

“Running an authentication operation” or “authenticating” may typicallyinclude therein at least one of multiple steps such as, e.g., [1] atleast one step of getting an authentication input unit and itsauthentication sensor ready, [2] at least one step of receiving a userinput using the input unit, [3] at least one step of acquiring UI_(THEN)from the user input using the authentication sensor, [4] at least onestep of “comparing” the acquired UI_(THEN) with the pre-stored UI_(THEN)or other authentication information [5] at least one step of“determining” whether a user passes (i.e., a “pass”) or fails (i.e., a“fail”) the user authenticating, [6] at least one step of terminating anauthentication operation, or the like. When desirable, such“authenticating” may also include at least one step of temporarily orpermanently storing results” involved in the above steps [1] to [6] inan available memory unit. For example, a terminal may store [1] theacquired UI_(THEN), [2] differences between the acquired UI_(THEN) andpre-stored UI_(THEN), or [3] an outcome such as the “pass” or the“fail”, where such [1] to [3] may be in the form of texts, files, orfolders, and where such [1] to [3] are to be collectively referred to as“results” as defined above.

A terminal may run only a single authentication operation or may insteadrun multiple different authentication operations either concurrently orsequentially. A terminal may include multiple authentication sensors torun a fingerprint authentication operation, a face authenticationoperation, a hand (or palm) authentication operation, an iris (orretina) authentication operation, a voice authentication operation, anauthentication operation based on a pattern of a blood vessel(s) orother physiological features, or the like.

A terminal may employ different arrangements to run authenticationoperations such that, e.g., a terminal may [1] render at least oneauthentication sensor ready when a terminal turns (or starts to turn) ona display unit, [2] render (or start to render) the authenticationsensor ready while a display unit remains turned off, [3] render theauthentication sensor ready upon (or in response to) acquiring UI_(THEN)or another sub-input, [4] render the authentication sensor ready onlyafter acquiring UI_(THEN), or the like. A terminal may then useUI_(THEN) for the user authenticating or may extract other informationfor authenticating from the user input.

Regardless of such differences in detailed arrangements, however, an“authentication operation” is deemed to have not been completed until[1] a terminal receives a user input, [2] a terminal acquires UI_(THEN),[3] a terminal acquires another (user) sub-input, or the like. Inaddition, when a terminal is to run an authentication operationconcurrently with turning on a display unit, an “authenticationoperation” is deemed to have not been completed [4] as long as a displayunit remains turned off. That is, at least one unexecuted (or remaining)step of an authentication operation may not be executed at all [1] untila terminal receives a user input or acquires UI_(THEN) (or othersub-inputs), [2] while a display unit remains turned off, or the like.Therefore, until a terminal acquires UI_(THEN) (or other sub-inputs) orwhile a display unit remains turned off, an authentication operation isdeemed to have not been completed.

Once acquiring UI_(THEN), a terminal executes (or starts to execute) atleast one unexecuted (or remaining) step of an authentication operationso that a terminal may run at least one authentication operation whichhas not been completed. As a result, execution of such steps may lead toperforming at least one specific function which is assigned to theauthentication operation.

Various biometric or non-biometric information may be used as UI_(THEN).Examples of such biometric information which may be used as UI_(THEN)may include an image of a body part (e.g., a fingerprint, a hand, apalm, a wrist, an iris, a retina, an eye, an ear, a nose, a face, otherbody parts, blood vessels, or their distribution pattern) which may becaptured by various image acquisition units of a terminal such as, e.g.,a camera or a scanner. Further examples of such biometric informationmay include electric or magnetic features related to the body part,where a pattern of electrical conductance of a body part is one example,and where further details thereof have been described above.

Other examples of the biometric information may include, e.g., a sound(including a voice of a user or that of a non-user), variousphysiological features of a user (or a non-user) such as, e.g.,cardiovascular features (an average blood pressure, a blood pressuremeasured at a certain location, or a heart rate), respiratory features(a breathing rate, or a breathing sound), gastrointestinal features (amovement of stomach or intestines, or the like), other physiologicalfeatures of a user, or a user's other physiological conditions. Aterminal may also incorporate various conventional sensors to monitorthe above biometric information such as, e.g., a pressure sensor, athermometer, or a flow rate sensor.

Other examples of biometric information may also include user's dynamicbiometric information such as, e.g., a displacement (or a movement of) abody part, a velocity thereof, its acceleration, its position in a 2-Dplane or a 3-D space, a gesture, or the like. In addition, otherconventional non-biometric information may be used for authenticating acurrent user, where examples of such non-biometric information mayinclude, but not limited to, a password, a pass code, a pass gesture, amovement pattern, or the like.

1-12-3. Run a Selecting Operation

As used herein, to “run at least one selecting operation” or simply to“run a selecting operation” is synonymous with “selecting an operation”or “selecting” hereinafter. In addition, such “selecting” refers to anoperation [1] with which a terminal checks whether or not an acquiredUI_(SEL) is one of pre-selected UI_(SEL)'s (e.g., whether or not theacquired UI_(SEL) is listed in a column or a low of a matching list),[2] in which a terminal locates at least one operation from a matchinglist (e.g., identify a selected operation as the one which matches theacquired UI_(SEL)), or the like. When a terminal identifies which one ofsuch multiple pre-selected operations is the selected operation, aterminal then runs the selected operation while or (immediately) afterpowering on or waking up.

It is appreciated that to “run at least one selecting operation” orsimply to “run a selecting operation” as defined in the precedingparagraph is different from to “run at least one selected operation” orsimply to “run a selected operation” in their meanings as well as intheir timings. First of all, the purpose of running a selectingoperation is to select at least one operation which a user desires aterminal to run while or (immediately) after powering on or waking up,whereas the purpose of running a selected operation is to perform aspecific function which can be attained from such running. In addition,because a terminal can run a selected operation only after the sameterminal has already completed to run a selecting operation, a terminalcan only run a selecting operation first, and then can run a selectedoperation. Details of such selecting is provided in the followingSection.

A terminal may run a selecting operation in various timings,particularly with respect to [1] running an activation operation or [2]running an authentication operation. As a result, a terminal can run aselecting operation in one of various “selecting timings” examples ofwhich may include [1] “concurrently with” receiving a user input whichincludes UI_(SEL) therein, [2] “concurrently with” receiving a userinput which does not include UI_(SEL), [3] “concurrently with” acquiringUI_(SEL), [4] “immediately after” such receiving or acquiring of the[1], [2], or [3] of this paragraph, where the “immediately” has beendefined above, [5] after such receiving or acquiring of the [1], [2], or[3] of this paragraph, but “before” a user provides another user input,[6] within a certain period of time after such receiving or acquiring ofthe [1], [2], or [3] of this paragraph, [7] concurrently with,(immediately) after, or within a certain period of time after turning ona display unit, [8] concurrently with, (immediately) after, or within acertain period of time after running an authentication operation, [9]concurrently with, (immediately) after, or within a certain period oftime after a terminal switches from a powered-off state to a powered-onstate (i.e., powering on), [10] concurrently with, (immediately) after,or within a certain period of time after a terminal switches from anoff-state to an on-state (i.e., waking up), or the like.

“Running a selecting operation” or “selecting” is generally preceded bythe steps of receiving a user input and acquiring UI_(SEL) therefrom. Asa result, such selecting may typically include at least one of followingsteps such as, e.g., [1] at least one step of receiving a user inputwith a proper input unit, [2] at least one step of acquiring UI_(SEL)from the user input using a selecting sensor, [3] at least one step oflocating a memory unit (or sector) in which a matching list is stored,[4] at least one step of “identifying” whether or not the acquiredUI_(SEL) is listed in the matching list, [5] at least one step of“selecting” which one of multiple pre-stored operations matches theacquired UI_(SEL), [6] at least one step of notifying a user whichUI_(SEL) he or she has provided, [7] at least one step of notifying auser whether or not the acquired UI_(SEL) is a qualified selectingsub-input, or the like. When desirable, such “selecting” may alsoinclude at least one step of temporarily or permanently storing“results” involved in the above steps [1] to [7] in an available memoryunit.

From time to time, a user may make a mistake of providing a terminalwith UI_(SEL) which cannot be recognized by a terminal. An example ofthis case is when a user selects and provides a certain UI_(SEL) whichis not listed in a matching list which includes a set of multiplepre-selected operations. This “selection failure” may happen [1] when aterminal fails to acquire UI_(SEL) at all due to a short contact time,[2] when a terminal receives a user input which, however, does notinclude UI_(SEL) which is listed in the matching list, or the like.

When this selection failure happens, a terminal [1] may keep a displayunit turned off when the display unit has been turned off, [2] may turnoff a display unit when the display unit has been turned on, [3] mayturn on a display unit in a lock mode when the display unit has beenturned off, [4] may keep a display unit turned on but stay in a lockmode when the display unit has been turned on and when a terminal hasbeen in a lock mode, or [5] may keep a display unit turned on but alsoswitch itself to a lock mode when a display unit has been turned on andwhen a terminal has been in an unlock mode.

When a selection failure happens but a user passes the authentication, aterminal [1] may turn on a display unit in an unlock mode or may switchto an unlock mode so that a user may select which operation to run frommultiple GUIs displayed on a display unit, or [2] may keep a displayunit turned on in an unlock mode when the display unit is (or has been)turned on. A terminal may optionally [1] drive a notice unit forproviding a visual notice signal of asking a user to supply anotherUI_(SEL), [2] display a lock screen such that a user may select whichoperation to run in a lock mode when the lock mode allows a user toselect a limited number of operations (e.g., when a terminal displays afew or several GUIs on a lock screen in a lock mode), [3] display a homescreen so that a user may select which operation to run in an unlockmode from a menu of icons, or the like. In the alternative, a terminalmay do nothing [1] while keeping its display unit turned off, [2] whilekeeping a display unit turned on, [3] while keeping a display unitturned on and displaying a lock (or home) screen thereon, or the like.

When a terminal is in a powered-on state but a display unit is (or hasbeen) in its off-state, a terminal may turn on a display unitconcurrently with or (immediately) after starting to run a selectingoperation. In addition, a terminal may also run an authenticationoperation while keeping a display unit turned off or turning on such adisplay unit. Alternatively, a terminal may keep its display unit turnedoff while running a selecting operation. In the latter arrangement, aterminal may turn on a display unit when a terminal finishes running aselecting operation. As a result, a user may feel that [1] a terminalturns on and starts to run an operation which he or she desires to runor [2] a terminal starts to run or finishes running a selectingoperation and then a display unit is turned on.

Therefore, the terminal may not require any UI_(ACT) to turn on adisplay unit, for such turning on is conditioned upon results obtainedfrom running a selecting operation. In other words, the terminal mayonly require UI_(SEL) not only to turn on a display unit but also to runa selecting operation. As a result, a user input including only a single(user) sub-input, UI_(SEL), may be sufficient for a terminal to not onlyrun such a selecting operation to but also turn on its display unit.Details of such arrangements are provided below.

1-12-4. Run a Selected Operation

In running a selecting operation, a terminal matches the acquiredUI_(SEL) with multiple pre-selected operations which is listed in amatching list. In finding a match, a terminal determines which operationa user intends to run while or (immediately) after a terminal powers onor wakes up. To this end, a user (or a terminal) may “select in advance”(i.e., “pre-select”) a set of multiple operations which a terminal canrun by driving at least one hardware or software element. As usedherein, such operations listed in the matching list are referred to as“pre-selected multiple operations” or simply “pre-selected operations”hereinafter. It is appreciated that such matching between multiple(user) sub-inputs (i.e., UI_(SEL)'s) and multiple pre-selectedoperations may be a 1-to-1, m-to-1, 1-to-n, or m-to-n matching.

It is needless to mention that such pre-selected operations are thosewhich a terminal may run using various hardware or software elementsincorporated thereinto or using other hardware or software elementsincluded in an external device (including an add-on, portable, orwearable device) which in turn may releasably couple with a terminal.Therefore, a user can pre-select virtually any operations which aterminal can run and put such pre-selected operations into such a set ofmultiple pre-selected operations, into a matching list, or the like.Once a user (or a terminal) selects at least one entry from a matchinglist which includes multiple pre-selected operations, the operationselected in such a way according to UI_(SEL) is referred to as a“selected operation” hereinafter. In other words, a selected operationis the one included in the matching list and selected form the matchinglist based upon UI_(SEL) which is provided by a user through a(selecting) user input.

In one example, the pre-selected operations may be one of suchoperations for [1] taking pictures, [2] recording video clips or sounds,[3] displaying such pictures, [4] playing such video clips or audiblesounds, [5] storing, retrieving, deleting or transmitting such pictures,video clips or sounds, [6] monitoring or assessing certain presetsituations or emergency situations, [7] storing, retrieving, deleting orsending information about such situations, [8] assessing a location, [9]storing, retrieving, deleting or sending information about the location,[10] monitoring, storing, retrieving, deleting or sending information ofhealth conditions, [11] authenticating a user, [12] making a phone call,[13] connecting to wireless communication network such as, e.g., aninternet, a bluetooth, or a near field communication (NFC) ordisconnecting therefrom, [14] running a messenger service, [15] runninga short message service (SMS), [16] running a social networking service(SNS), [17] receiving, composing, or sending an email, [18] schedulingevents, [19] running a navigator, [20] running a clock or a timer, [21]running a dictionary service, [22] creating, editing, storing,retrieving, deleting or sending a document or data, [23] switching amode of operation, [24] accessing, retrieving, storing or deleting datawhich are stored in a terminal, [25] displaying a screen which was thelast or the latest screen (e.g., other than a home or menu screen)before a terminal was powered off or before its display unit was turnedoff, [26] accessing or running the last or the latest softwareapplication which was driven by a terminal before having being poweredoff or turned off, or the like.

The pre-selected operations may also include [27] connecting to anetwork of an internet-of-things (IoT), [28] connecting to an electricor electro-mechanical appliance included in an IoT network, [29]connecting to a control system of a vehicle or a building, [30]manipulating an electric or electro-mechanical unit of a vehicle (or abuilding) such as, e.g., unlocking (or locking) a door or a window of avehicle (or a building), opening (or closing) a door or a window of avehicle (or a building), or turning on or off an engine or a motor of avehicle, [31] connecting to a robot and manipulating at least oneelectric or electro-mechanical unit of the robot, [32] manipulating(e.g., setting, changing or storing) a control panel of a terminal, avehicle, a drone, a robot, or the like, [33] displaying a lock screen,home screen, or another default screen on a display unit, [34]displaying a content or an advertisement on a display unit on itsscreen, [35] switching to a voice (or a gesture) command mode, [36]manipulating (e.g., taking off, flying, or landing) a drone or anotherflying object, [37] loading a software application capable of running atleast one operation for performing one of the above [1] to [36] of thisparagraph, or the like.

It is appreciated that, as used herein, a “vehicle” collectively refersto an article with which a user can travel on land, in the air, or onwater. Accordingly, examples of the vehicle may include an automobilewith an internal combustion engine or an electrical motor, a motorbicycle, a bicycle, a train, an airplane, a helicopter, a drone, or thelike. In addition, a “vehicle” collectively refers to another articlewhich is not primarily used to travel (i.e., transportation) but toperform works. Therefore, examples of the vehicle may also include abulldozer, a truck, a crane, or the like.

In another example, such pre-selected operations may be variousoperations which are related to electronic commerce, electronic paymentsystems, or financial transactions. Accordingly, such pre-selectedoperations may include various operations for [1] accessing a gateway ora platform for an e-commerce, [2] receiving or presenting a checkoutform or a payment form, [3] accessing a payment provider or a paymentgateway, [4] presenting an order, [5] presenting personal financialinformation or its equivalent, [6] transmitting personal financialinformation or its equivalent, [7] running at least one authenticationoperation for any of the above [1] to [6] of this paragraph, or thelike.

It therefore follows that such pre-selected operations may be anyoperations which can be run by a terminal. For example, a manufactureror a distributor of a terminal or a provider of a wireless communicationservice may install various hardware and software elements into aterminal such that the terminal may run any of the above pre-selectedoperations of this Section. After purchase, a user may download(software) applications or may attach to a terminal an external devicewhich may in turn include certain hardware and software elementstherein. As a result, a terminal or a user may include all of suchoperations into a set of multiple pre-selected operations (i.e., a“matching list”) and may list all of such operations in a column or arow of the matching list. However, a terminal (or a user) may form asmall matching list by including therein only a certain number ofoperations which he or she frequently uses when a terminal powers on orwakes up, when a terminal advances to an unlock mode, while a terminalis in a lock mode or an unlock mode, or the like.

A terminal may also allow a user to modify the matching list by [1]adding new operations which a user wants to run while or (immediately)after powering on or waking up, [2] deleting pre-existing operationswhich a user does not use as frequently as before, [3] changing an orderof such operations in the matching list, [4] adding or deletingconditioning requirements in such a way that a terminal runs anoperation O₂ only when a terminal runs an operation O₁, or only when aterminal completes to run operation O₁, or the like. When desirable, aterminal may monitor a usage of a user and may then adaptively modifysuch a set of pre-selected operations or such a matching list from timeto time.

In another example, a terminal may drive various hardware or softwareelements and run each pre-selected operation included in a matchinglist. To this end, a terminal may include, e.g., [1] a picture takingapplication such as a camera driver), [2] a video or audio recordingapplication such as a video camera driver or an audio recorder driver,[3] a picture displaying or editing application such as an image viewerand a driver thereof, [4] a sound playing or editing application, [5] avisual or audio data (such as, e.g., pictures, video clips, texts, oraudio files) processing (such as, e.g., creating, storing, retrieving,editing, deleting, receiving or transmitting) application, [6] asituation (e.g., an emergency or accident) monitoring or assessingapplication, [7] a situation data processing (“processing” is the sameas the one in [5]) application, [8] a location monitoring or handlingapplication, [9] a health monitoring application, [10] a health-relateddata processing application, [11] a user authenticating application,[12] an authentication-related data processing application, [13] awireless or wired communication (e.g., an internet, a bluetooth, or anear field communication) or calling application, [14] a messengerservice application, [15] a SMS application, [16] an email processingapplication, [17] an SNS application, [18] an event schedulingapplication, [19] a navigation application, [20] a clock or timerapplication, [21] a dictionary application, [22] a document processingapplication, [23] a mode switching application, [24] an access authorityproviding, [25] a data processing application, [26] the last (or latest)screen displaying application, [27] the last (or latest) softwareapplication executing application, or the like.

Such a terminal may also include [28] an application for connecting to anetwork of IoT, [29] an application for connecting to an appliancethrough an IoT network, [30] an application for connecting to a controlsystem of a vehicle or building, [31] an application for manipulating anelectric or electro-mechanical unit of a vehicle (or a building) suchas, e.g., unlocking (or locking) a door or window of a vehicle (or abuilding), opening (or closing) a door or window of a vehicle (or abuilding), or turning on or off an engine or motor of a vehicle, [32] anapplication for connecting to a robot and manipulating an electric orelectro-mechanical unit of the robot, [33] an application formanipulating (e.g., setting, changing or storing) a control panel of aterminal, a vehicle, a drone, a robot, or the like.

Such a terminal may further include [34] an application for displaying alock screen, home screen, or another default screen on a display unit,[35] an application for displaying a content or an advertisement on adisplay unit on its screen, [36] an application for switching to a voice(or a gesture) command mode, [37] an application for manipulating (e.g.,taking off, flying, landing, or the like) a drone or another flyingobject, [38] an application for loading a software application capableof running at least one operation for performing one of the above [1] to[37] of this paragraph, or the like.

It is appreciated that various (software) applications of the precedingparagraph may be downloaded onto a terminal before a terminal may run aselected operation. Alternatively, an application which is to run aselected operation may be stored external to a terminal such as, e.g.,in an external device which may releasably and operationally couple witha terminal. In addition, a (software) application for running apre-selected operation may be downloaded from an external source suchas, e.g., a website.

It is also appreciated that an operation of turning on a display unit(i.e., a turning on operation) and an operation of authenticating a user(i.e., an authentication operation) are not deemed as the pre-selectedoperations when a terminal is to run such a turning on operation orauthenticating operation concurrently with or (immediately) after aterminal powers on or wakes up. However, [1] when a terminal is to run aturning operation once the terminal powers on or [2] when a terminal isto run a 2^(nd) authentication operation once the terminal runs a 1^(st)authentication operation, such operations are deemed to belong to suchmultiple pre-selected operations.

It is appreciated that an operating system (0/S) of a terminal mayinclude therein at least one of such (software) applications of thisSection. Accordingly, a manufacturer of a terminal or an O/S developermay readily include such applications into an O/S. Alternatively, amanufacturer or a developer may allow a user to incorporate the(software) application into the O/S as well.

1-12-5. Run a Mode-Switching Operation

As used herein, to “run at least one mode-switching operation” or simplyto “run a mode-switching operation” is synonymous with [1] “switchingmodes,” [2] “mode switching,” or [3] simply “switching.” As describedabove, such “mode switching” is an operation which causes a terminal toswitch from a current mode (or state) to a new mode (or state). It isappreciated that an on-state is implicitly included in the current ornew mode, for any lock mode, any intermediate mode, and any unlock modeare in the on-state. Similarly, a powered-on state is also implicitlyincluded in the current or new mode, for any lock mode, any intermediatemode, and any unlock mode are in the powered-on state.

A “mode switching” or running a mode-switching operation may includemultiple steps therein. For example, a mode switching may include thesteps of, e.g., [1] starting to run a mode-switching operation, [2]selecting at least one new mode based upon UI_(SWI) from a matching listof multiple pre-defined modes defined in a certain hierarchy, [3] takingan action when UI_(SWI) does not match any of multiple modes listed inthe matching list, [4] switching from a current mode to a new mode, and[5] completing to run a mode-switching operation.

In general, a terminal may run various mode-switching operations invarious ways. For simplicity of illustration, various mode-switchingoperations may be classified based upon several factors such as, e.g.,[1] whether a terminal is (or has been) in a powered-off state orpowered-on state before such mode switching, [2] whether a terminal is(or has been) in an off-state or on-state before such mode switching,[3] whether a terminal runs an authentication operation in conjunctionwith (e.g., before, concurrently or after) such mode switching, or thelike.

In one example, when a terminal in its off-state receives a user inputincluding UI_(SWI), a terminal advances to a new mode based uponUI_(SWI), where the new mode is selected from a matching list, and wherethe matching list may match each of multiple modes defined in a certainhierarchy with each of multiple UI_(SWI)'s acquired by a terminal. Asused herein, such mode of switching to a new mode is to be referred toas a “1^(st) type switching modes” or “1^(st) type mode switching”hereinafter.

When a terminal employs user authentication, a terminal may advance todifferent modes depending upon an outcome from such authentication. Inone case, a terminal may advance to an unlock mode and may display anunlock (or home) screen when a user passes the user authenticating. Whena user fails the authentication, a terminal [1] may advance to a lockmode (or a different default mode) and display a lock screen (or adefault screen), or [2] may remain in the off-state, without displayingany screen on a display unit.

In this case, a terminal may first acquire UI_(THEN) from a user input,and then acquire UI_(SWI) only when a user passes such authentication.Alternatively, a terminal may acquire UI_(THEN) and UI_(SWI)concurrently, regardless of whether or not a user may pass theauthenticating.

In another case, a terminal in an on-state may receive a user inputincluding UI_(SWI). A terminal may then switch from a current mode to anew mode by, e.g., selecting the new mode from the matching list basedupon UI_(SWI). As used herein, such mode switching of switching a newmode from a current mode is to be referred to as a “2^(nd) typeswitching modes” or “2^(nd) type mode switching” hereinafter.

When a terminal employs a user authentication, a terminal may switch toa new mode depending upon an outcome from such user authenticating. Inone case, a terminal may switch to an unlock mode and display an unlock(or home) screen when a user passes the user authenticating. When a userfails such authenticating, however, a terminal [1] may switch to a lockmode (or a different default mode) and display a lock screen (or adifferent default screen), [2] may remain in the lock mode wiledisplaying a lock screen when a current mode is a lock mode, or [3] mayswitch to an off-state by turning off its display unit. Alternatively, aterminal may first acquire UI_(THEN) from a user input, and may thenacquire UI_(SWI) only when a user passes such authenticating. In thealternative, a terminal may acquire UI_(THEN) and UI_(SWI) concurrently,regardless of whether or not a user may pass the authenticating.

1-12-6. External Device

A mobile communication terminal may operatively couple with an “externaldevice” such as, e.g., [1] an “add-on device,” [2] a “portable device,”or [3] a “wearable device.” In one example, an external device mayinclude therein at least one hardware or software element which is notincluded in the terminal. A terminal may couple with the external deviceand recruit the element of the external device, thereby running anadditional operation which the terminal cannot run by itself (i.e.,without coupling to the external device). In an opposite example, anexternal device may include at least one hardware or software elementwhich is also included in the terminal. A terminal may then couple withthe external device and recruit the element of the external device,thereby complementing the element of a terminal with the element of theexternal device. More particularly, an external device may include anyof various (software) applications of Section 1-12-4 in such a way thata user may run an operation with the application when a terminaloperationally couples with the external device.

More particularly, an external device may be fabricated as an “add-ondevice” which may be releasably coupled to a terminal and uncoupledtherefrom. Therefore, an add-on device may be fabricated as [1] aprotector of a terminal, [2] its holder, [3] its case, or [4] its coverwhich may enclose at least a portion of a terminal. In addition, anadd-on device may be fabricated as [5] a “USB-type memory” (with orwithout including a driver therein), [6] an “external memory chip (orcard)” which may couple with a terminal and which may (or may) notinclude a driver, [7] a “portable memory chip (or card)” such as, e.g.,a USIM card or a SIM card, which may releasably couple or uncouple witha terminal, and which may (or may not) include a driver, [8] any otherprior art memory chip (or device) which may include a space for storingdata therein and which may (or may not) include a driver, or the like.

An external device may also be fabricated as a “wearable device” which auser may wear on a user's body part. Therefore, a wearable device may befabricated as [1] a watch, [2] a wrist-band, [3] an arm band, [4] aglove, [5] a ring, [6] a goggle, [7] an eye glass, [8] a helmet, [9] ahat, [10] a belt, [11] a necklace, [12] a bracelet, [13] an earring,[14] an artificial nail, [15] an artificial tooth, [16] a shoe, [17] apendant, [18] a brooch, [19] other ornaments, or [20] any other deviceswhich may be portably worn by a user.

Moreover, an external device may be fabricated as a “portable device”which a user may readily carry with him or her. Therefore, a portabledevice may be fabricated as [1] a bag, [2] a backpack, [3] a handbag,[4] a brief case, [5] a luggage, or the like.

1-13. Input Units

As used herein, an “input unit” refers to a hardware element of aterminal capable of receiving at least one user input therewith. Moreparticularly, an input unit receives at least one of the above 1^(st) to5^(th) type user inputs. A terminal may recruit any prior artmechanical, electrical, magnetic, and/or optical device as an inputunit, as long as [1] the device can receive at least one of the aboveuser inputs, or [2] the device can include at least one prior art sensorcapable of acquiring at least one (user) sub-input which is included inthe user input.

When an input unit is designated to receive UI_(SEL), the input unit isreferred to as a “selecting input unit” which includes at least one“selecting sensor” therein. When an input unit is designated to receiveUI_(ACT), the input unit is referred to as an “activation input unit”which includes at least one “activation sensor” therein. When an inputunit is designated to receive UI_(THEN), the input unit is referred toas an “authentication input unit” which includes at least one“authentication sensor” therein. When an input unit is designated toreceive UI_(SWI), the input unit is referred to as an “mode-switchinginput unit” which includes at least one “mode-switching sensor” therein.A terminal may also include an additional input unit which can receive auser input which includes therein other (user) sub-inputs for runningoperations other than the above selecting, activation, authentication,or mode-switching operations. Such an input unit is referred to as an“auxiliary input unit” which includes therein at least one “auxiliarysensor” capable of acquiring an “auxiliary (user) sub-input (UI_(AUX)).”

An input unit may directly receive a user input, may directly acquire asub-input, or may receive a user input and thereafter acquire one ormore sub-inputs by extracting at least one sub-input from the user inputwith the sensor. In other words, a terminal may receive a user input andacquire a sub-input therefrom concurrently or sequentially, dependingupon a presence or an absence of any temporal overlap therebetween.Alternatively, a 1^(st) input unit may only receive a user input and,thereafter, a 2^(nd) input unit may acquire one or more sub-inputs byextracting the sub-inputs from the user input.

A sensor of an input unit acquires at least one (user) sub-input from atleast one user input and, therefore, an input unit may generally includeas many sensors as a number of sub-inputs included in a user input. Ofcourse, an input unit may include a smaller number of sensors than anumber of sub-inputs included in the user input, e.g., [1] when aterminal runs more than one operation in response to acquiring a singlesub-input, [2] when a terminal runs a 2^(nd) operation which isconditioned upon an outcome from running a 1^(st) operation, or thelike.

When a terminal acquires multiple sub-inputs using multiple input units,each input unit may be equipped with one or more sensors as well. It isappreciated that an input unit may acquire such sub-units in a 1-to-1matching, a 1-to-n matching, a m-to-1 matching or a m-to-n matching,where ‘m’ and ‘n’ are integers and where ‘m’ may be greater than, equalto or less than ‘n’ as well.

Depending upon a nature or a type of an input unit or upon a number ofuser inputs required to run operations by a terminal, an input unit mayreceive a user input(s) when a user directly or indirectly manipulate atleast a portion of the input unit. For example, a terminal only includesa single input unit and receives [1] multiple user inputs of the same orsimilar types, [2] multiple user inputs of different types, or [3] bothof such user inputs of [1] and [2] in a combination. Alternatively, aterminal may include multiple input units of the same or different typesand, accordingly, may receive different types of user inputs or acquiredifferent types of sub-inputs either concurrently, sequentially or in acombination with different input units.

It is appreciated that any hardware element of a terminal capable ofreceiving any of such 1^(st) type to 5^(th) type user input may serve asan input unit and, therefore, may qualify as an input unit of thisdisclosure. Accordingly, when a terminal includes a touch screen, agyroscope, or a force transducer, each of such hardware elements mayserve as a separate input unit, where the touch screen acquiresUI_(THEN), a gyroscope acquires UI_(SWI) from a position of a user, amovement thereof, or a gesture thereof, or where a force transduceracquires UI_(ACT) from a magnitude of a force associated with a userinput. Such sensors may instead acquire sub-inputs differently or suchsensors may acquire the sub-inputs from measured values of the aboveposition, movement, force, or the like.

A terminal may recruit various prior art input units examples of whichmay include, but not be limited to those described in U.S. Pat. No.5,463,388 (assigned to AT&T), U.S. Pat. No. 7,479,949 (assigned toApple, Inc.), U.S. Pat. No. 8,392,340 (assigned to Apple, Inc.), U.S.Pat. No. 8,542,206 (assigned to Apple, Inc.), U.S. Pat. No. 8,279,182(assigned to Samsung), U.S. Pat. No. 8,554,275 (assigned to LG), or thelike. Other prior art input units may also be implemented into variousterminals of this disclosure as well.

1-14. (Software) Application

As used herein, a “software element” of a terminal collectively refersto [1] an O/S, or [2] a (software) application, and the software elementis synonymous with an “accessible software element.” A software elementtypically refers to a set of computer instructions or programs. As usedherein, a “(software) application” or simply an “application” refers toone of software elements of a terminal, and also means a set of computerinstructions or programs designed [1] to run a certain operation, or [2]to perform a specific function. It is appreciated that a (software)application may be driven by a CPU member, by an O/S, or by anotherapplication, and that driving a (software) application leads to [1]running a certain operation or [2] performing a specific function. It isalso appreciated that driving a (software) application may accompanydriving at least one hardware element.

As used herein, a “(software) application” is deemed to not include an“O/S” and, therefore, to be different from the O/S. A manufacturer or adistributor of a terminal may implement at least one (software)application into a terminal before sale. Alternatively, a user maydownload at least one application into a terminal after purchase. An O/Sor an already-implemented application may also download a new“application” from various sources such as, e.g., an external memorydevice, a website, or the like.

An application may provide a user with various options such that theuser may select different options in driving the application to rundifferent operations or to perform different functions. Therefore, whena terminal grants a user with access authority to drive a certainapplication, a terminal may also allow a user to use all availableoptions or to use only certain selected options, depending upon a modein which a user operates a terminal, access authority granted thereto,or the like.

1-15. Perform a (Specific) Function

A terminal is referred to “perform a (specific) function” or, moreparticularly, a (specific) function results from “running an operation”which typically corresponds to executing at least one portion of an O/Sor at least one software application. In other words, performing aspecific function by “running an operation” may require at least onesoftware application, at least one hardware element of a terminal, orthe like.

2. Objectives

Objectives to be achieved by various mobile communication terminals ofthis disclosure are summarized below. It is appreciated that followingobjectives are exemplary only and, thus, not intended to confine anyapplication or scope of such terminals. It is also appreciated thatvarious features of the mobile communication terminals, their units, andtheir hardware or software elements in this Section 2 are focused uponproviding seamless operations to a user. It is further appreciated thatvarious directional input units and their hardware or software elementsmay be configured to embody one or more of the following objectives.

2-1. Directional Input Units and Seamless Operations

A first objective as well as one exemplary aspect of various directionalinput units and related methods of this disclosure is to provide a userwith mobile communication terminals offering diverse and optimumseamless operations. In one exemplary embodiment of this firstobjective, a terminal with a directional input unit allows a user toenjoy seamless operations which are particularly beneficial to a userwho wants to run at least one desired or selected operation while or(Immediately) after powering on or turning on, by exercising a “singleeffort” (e.g., performing a single active action or a single voluntaryaction).

In one example of this embodiment, a user may provide a single userinput (or multiple concurrent user inputs) for turning on a display unitand for selecting and running at least one desired operation. In anotherexample, a user may also provide a single user input (or multipleconcurrent user inputs) for turning on a display unit, for running atleast one authentication operation, and for selecting and running atleast one desired operation. To this end, a directional input unitreceives a (single) user input (or multiple concurrent user inputs)which accompanies therewith a selecting (user) sub-input (UI_(SEL)) andat least one optional (user) sub-input such as, e.g., an activation(user) sub-input (UI_(ACT)) or an authentication (user) sub-input(UI_(THEN)). In other words, a directional input unit may acquire asingle sub-input, UI_(SEL), or may concurrently acquire multiple (user)sub-inputs one of which is UI_(SEL).

Upon receiving the user input and acquiring (user) sub-inputs, aterminal selects and runs (or starts to select and to run) an operationwhich is selected by a user from a set of multiple operations (e.g., amatching list) which are pre-selected by a user (or a terminal) in oneof the selecting timings as defined above. Accordingly, while or(immediately) after such powering on or such waking up, a user may enjoyseamless operations to the fullest extent such as, e.g., by turning on adisplay unit, by authenticating himself or herself, by selecting andrunning at least one selected operation which is selected from amatching list, all in response to a single user input or with multipleconcurrent user inputs.

In another exemplary embodiment of this first objective, a directionalinput unit receives a single user input or multiple concurrent userinputs, and concurrently acquires multiple (user) sub-inputs. But aterminal may start or finish such operations initiated by such (user)sub-inputs at different instances. That is, a terminal may [1] run (orstart to run) an operation to turn on a display unit, [2] run (or startto run) at least one authentication operation, [3] run a selectingoperation from a set of multiple pre-selected operations, or [4] run (atleast) one selected operation which is selected from a matching listafter running the selecting operation, in different “timings” such as,e.g., [1] concurrently with each other (i.e., with at least one temporaloverlap therebetween), [2] sequentially (i.e., consecutively or one at atime, not with a temporal overlap but with at least one temporal gaptherebetween), or the like. A terminal may complete (or finish) suchturning on, authenticating, selecting, or running a selected operationat different instances as well. As a result, a terminal may finish theturning on, authenticating, selecting or running a selected operation,[1] concurrently with each other or [2] sequentially.

To put it differently, regardless of the starting instances or finishinginstances of such turning on, authenticating, and selecting, suchoperations are respectively initiated in response to acquisition ofUI_(ACT), UI_(THEN), and UI_(SEL), where UI_(SEL) and at least one ofUI_(ACT) and UI_(THEN) (or all of UI_(ACT), UI_(THEN), and UI_(SEL)) areconcurrently acquired by a directional input unit. When a terminalincludes a directional input unit and an additional non-directionalinput unit, the former may acquire UI_(SEL), while the latter mayreceive at least one of UI_(ACT) and UI_(THEN).

Therefore, various directional input units throughout this disclosureallow a user to run an application of his or her choice (e.g., amessenger application, an email application, an application for viewinga gallery of pictures, or the like) while or (immediately) after suchpowering on or turning on, optionally along with such turning on orauthenticating. More particularly, the terminal may do so in response toa single effort (e.g., a single user input) or in response to multipleconcurrent efforts (e.g., multiple concurrent user inputs), where suchmultiple user inputs are provided to a terminal concurrently with eachother by a single effort. As a result, a user can enjoy seamlessoperations only with a single effort.

2-2. Directional Input Units and User Sub-Inputs

A second objective and another exemplary aspect of various directionalinput units and their related methods of this disclosure is to provide aterminal with a single user input (or multiple concurrent user inputs)which accompanies therein at least two (user) sub-inputs. Examples ofsuch sub-inputs may include, e.g., [1] UI_(SEL), [2] UI_(ACT), [3]UI_(THEN), [4] UI_(SWI), [5] UI_(AUX), or the like. More particularly, asingle user input (or multiple concurrent user inputs) may accompanytherein a sub-set of multiple sub-inputs, where examples of thesub-inputs paired together in a sub-set may include, e.g., [1] UI_(SEL)and UI_(ACT), [2] UI_(SEL) and UI_(ACT) (and optionally UI_(THEN)), [3]UI_(SEL) and UI_(THEN), or [4] UI_(SEL) and UI_(THEN) (and optionallyUI_(ACT)). A user may then determine which set of such (user) sub-inputshe or she desires to provide to a terminal which is [1] in itspowered-off state, [2] in its powered-on state but in an off-state, or[3] even in its powered-on state and in its on-state. Once a userprovides such sub-inputs, a terminal may also run the selecting, turningon, or authenticating, concurrently or sequentially, thereby allowing auser to render run the selected operation while or (immediately) aftersuch powering on or waking up, simply by exercising a single effort andby providing a single user input (or multiple concurrent user inputs).

In one exemplary embodiment of this second objective, a directionalinput unit may generate different control signals based upon such (user)sub-inputs, and send such control signals to a terminal. A terminal (ora CPU member) may run such selecting (in response to UI_(SEL)), whileoptionally running at least one of such turning on (in response toUI_(ACT)) or such authenticating (in response to UI_(THEN)), eitherconcurrently or sequentially. More particularly, a terminal may run suchselecting in various “selecting timings” as described above. When aterminal needs to authenticate a user, a terminal may run such selecting[1] only when a user passes such authenticating, [2] regardless ofwhether or not a user passes such authenticating, [3] regardless ofwhether or not a terminal runs such turning on before or after runningan authentication operation, or the like.

In another exemplary embodiment of this second objective, a directionalinput unit may generate the control signals concurrently orsequentially, where such control signals may represent or result from asub-set of (user) sub-inputs such as, e.g., [1] UI_(SEL) and UI_(ACT),[2] UI_(SEL), UI_(ACT) (and optionally UI_(THEN)), [3] UI_(SEL) andUI_(THEN), [4] UI_(SEL), UI_(THEN) (and optionally UI_(ACT)), or [5]other combinations. A terminal may receive the control signals eitherconcurrently or sequentially, and may [1] turn on (or start to turn on)its display unit, [2] authenticate (or start to authenticate) a currentuser by running at least one authentication operation, [3] select (orstart to select) an operation from a matching list of multipleoperations pre-selected by a user (or by a terminal), or [4] run (orstart to run) at least one selected operation which a user desires torun while or (immediately) powering on or waking up. A terminal may runat least two of such selecting, turning on, authenticating, or running aselected operation [1] concurrently with each other, [2] running anotherof such operations (immediately) after running one of such operations,or [3] running another of such operations within a certain period afterrunning one of such operations.

A terminal may select and run the selected operation in one of various“selecting timings” as defined above, where some of such “selectingtimings” may include, e.g., [1] concurrently with, (immediately) after,or within a certain period after such turning on, [2] concurrently with,(immediately) after, or within a certain period after a terminalswitches from one state (or mode) to another state (or mode), [3]concurrently with, (immediately) after, or within a certain period aftersuch authenticating, [4] concurrently with, (immediately) after, orwithin a certain period after such authenticating followed by suchturning on, [5] concurrently with, (immediately) after, or within acertain period after such turning on which is followed by theauthenticating, or [6] concurrently with, (immediately) after, or withina certain period after such authenticating which is followed bymode-switching from one state (or mode) to another state (or mode).Accordingly, a directional input unit and a terminal which incorporatesthe input unit enables a user to enjoy seamless operations of selectinga desired operation and running the selected operation while or(immediately) after powering on or waking up, while a user may only haveto exercise a single effort such as, e.g., simply by providing a singleuser input (or multiple concurrent user inputs).

2-3. Type-1 Directional Input Units—Movable Portions

A third objective and another exemplary aspect of this disclosure is toconstruct a directional input unit which includes at least one portionwhich a user can move in a certain manner in a certain direction. Moreparticularly, such a directional input unit can generate [1] a singlecontrol signal or [2] multiple control signals concurrently,sequentially (i.e., one after another) or in a combination thereof, inresponse to at least one movement which is caused by a user when he orshe manipulates the movable portion of the directional input unit.

In one exemplary embodiment of this third objective, a directional inputunit may generate at least one control signal in response to variousfeatures of the movement. For example, such features may include [1] astatic or dynamic pattern of movement of at least one movable portion ofa directional input unit, where the movement may be in a 2-D area or ina 3-D space, [2] a movement sequence of the movable portion, where thesequence may be a temporal or spatial sequence or a combination thereof,[3] a direction of a movement of the movable portion, or the like.

In another exemplary embodiment of this third objective, a directionalinput unit generates at least one control signals in response to (orupon) [1] receiving a user input or [2] acquiring UI_(SEL) therefrom.Based on the control signal (and, therefore, UI_(SEL)), a terminal mayselect which operation a user desires to run from a set of multiplepre-selected operations, and may then run the selected operation whileor (immediately) after powering on or waking up. A terminal maysynchronize such selecting with other operations such as, e.g., [1] suchturning-on in response to UI_(ACT), [2] such authenticating in responseto UI_(THEN), [3] another operation in response to UI_(AUX), or thelike. A terminal may run such operations by, e.g., receiving a singleuser input (or multiple concurrent user inputs) accompanying therewithor including therein [1] UI_(SEL), optionally along with at least one ofUI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN), [2] UI_(SEL) and only one of UI_(ACT) orUI_(THEN), or the like. Alternatively, a terminal may receive a 1^(st)user input which includes UI_(SEL), and may also receive a 2^(nd) userinput which includes at least one of UI_(ACT), UI_(THEN), UI_(AUX). Itis to be understood, however, that a user provides at least one UI_(SEL)to a directional input unit in order to guarantee optimum seamlessoperations.

In another exemplary embodiment of this third objective, a directionalinput unit and its movable portion which moves in response to varioususer inputs may be fabricated as a unitary article by mechanically orelectrically coupling one to the other. It is to be understood,therefore, that the movable part is physically or operationally coupledto the directional input unit. Alternatively, a movable portion may beprovided as an article which is separate from a directional input unitbut which is operationally coupled to the input unit. In thisconfiguration, the movable portion may movably couple with a directionalinput unit mechanically, electrically or magnetically. Alternatively, anentire portion of a directional input unit may be fabricated to move inresponse to such user inputs.

Therefore, a user may enjoy seamless operations with a terminalincluding such a directional input unit which enables a user to run aselected operation after a terminal powers on or wakes up, while simplyexercising a single effort or providing a single user input (or multipleconcurrent user inputs), thereby optionally turning on (or starting toturn on) a display unit or optionally authenticating (or starting toauthenticate) a current user. It is needless to mention that such aterminal had better run as many of such operations as possible with asingle user input or with the least number of concurrent user inputs forguaranteeing optimum seamless operations.

2-4. Type-2 Directional Input Units—Moving Body Parts

A fourth objective as well as another exemplary aspect of thisdisclosure is to construct a directional input unit which can generate[1] a single control signal or [2] multiple control signalsconcurrently, sequentially (i.e., one after another) or in combinationthereof, in response to at least one movement of at least one body partof a user with respect to at least one stationary or movable portion ofa directional input unit. It is appreciated that such a body part of auser (i.e., a user body part) may be [1] the body part which contacts orpresses at least a portion of a directional input unit (i.e., a“contacting body part” which may or may not actively press such an inputunit), or [2] the body part which is positioned away from a directionalinput unit at a certain distance (i.e., a “non-contacting body part”which does not contact the input unit and which does not press the inputunit), or the like.

In one exemplary embodiment of this fourth objective, a directionalinput unit may generate [1] a single control signal or [2] multiplecontrol signals in response to various features of the movements of auser body part with respect to a directional input unit. Examples ofsuch features may include [1] a static or dynamic pattern of a movementof a user body part with respect to a directional input unit, where amovement may be in a 2-D area or in a 3-D space, [2] a sequence of amovement of a user body part, where the sequence may be a temporalsequence, a spatial sequence, or their combination, [3] a direction of amovement of a user body part where a direction may be curvilinear (i.e.,straight or curved), and where a direction is a 2-D or 3-D direction,[4] a static or dynamic feature of a movement of a user body part, orthe like. Accordingly, a user gesture which may be captured by a cameraof a terminal or which may be recognized by another sensor such as aprior art motion sensor or a gyroscopic sensor is an example of themovement of the non-contacting body part. In contrary, a movementpattern of a user's finger which contacts or presses a directional inputunit is an example of the movement of the contacting body part.

In another exemplary embodiment of this fourth objective, a directionalinput unit may generate a single control signal or multiple controlsignals in response to [1] receiving a user input or [2] acquiringUI_(SEL). In response to the control signal, a terminal may select whichone or multiple operations from a matching list including multiplepre-selected operations, where a user wants to run the “selectedoperation(s) while or (immediately) after the terminal powers on orwakes up. Thereafter, a terminal may run the selected operation asexplained in Section 2-3. A terminal may synchronize such selecting withother operations as described in Section 2-3. A terminal may run suchother operations by receiving a single user input (or multipleconcurrent user inputs) including therein various sub-inputs asexplained in section 2-3, thereby guaranteeing a user with optimumseamless operations.

The type-2 directional input unit may be constructed differently fromthe type-1 directional input units. In one example and unlike the type-1directional input unit, the type-2 directional input unit maypreferentially (or solely) monitor a movement of a user body part and,therefore, the type-2 input unit does not necessarily require a movableportion. That is, the type-2 directional input unit may not include aportion which moves in response to a user input. In another example, thetype-2 directional input unit may include at least one movable portionwhich moves in response to a user input, or an entire directional inputunit may instead move in response to a user input, where the movableportion of this example may not be constructed to acquire UI_(SEL), andwhere the movable portion of this example may rather be configured [1]to acquire other sub-inputs, [2] to acquire the 2^(nd) UI_(SEL) when a1^(st) UI_(SEL) is acquired by another directional input unit, or thelike.

In addition, a user [1] may move multiple body parts with respect to asingle portion of a directional input unit or [2] may concurrently movemultiple body parts with respect to multiple portions of a directionalinput unit. As briefly discussed in Section 1-9, such movements ofmultiple body parts to a single portion or multiple portions of adirectional input unit may be deemed as a single effort which also leadsto a single user input as long as a user provides such concurrentmovements [1] without detaching all of the body parts from such aportion(s) of the directional input unit while providing all of suchmultiple movements, [2] without detaching all of the body parts fromsuch a portion(s) of the directional input unit until completing toprovide all multiple movements, or [3] where each of such movementsoverlaps at least a part of at least one of other movements.

In another exemplary embodiment of this fourth objective, a directionalinput unit may include therein at least one movable portion when it isdesirable or efficient for a user to combine a movement(s) of a userbody part with the movable portion. This directional input unit may beregarded as a combination of the type-1 directional input unit andtype-2 directional input unit. In other words, a directional input unitof this configuration may be to acquire UI_(SEL) in response to [1] amovement(s) of at least one contacting body part with respect to atleast one portion of a directional input unit (i.e., the body part iscontacting, touching or pressing such a portion of the input unit),where the movement(s) provides the input unit with a user input(s) whichmay include UI_(SEL), or [2] a movement(s) of at least onenon-contacting user body part with respect to the portion of the inputunit.

To offer optimum seamless operations, a terminal may run the selectedoperation while or (immediately) after [1] powering up, [2] waking up,or [3] advancing to an unlock mode, a lock mode, or another intermediatemode, when a user exercises a “single effort” and provides a “singleuser input” (or multiple concurrent user inputs) to a terminal. Aterminal may also run the selected operation in one of various “timings,while performing at least one of turning on a display unit or running atleast one authentication operation, [1] in response to (e.g.,concurrently with, immediately after, within a certain period of timeafter, or the like) receiving a single user input or multiple concurrentuser inputs, [2] in response to acquiring at least two user sub-inputsone of which is UI_(SEL), [3] in response to acquiring at least two usersub-inputs one of which is UI_(SEL), or the like. To guarantee optimumseamless operations, a terminal may also perform such selecting, turningon, or authenticating, [1] concurrently with each other, or [2]sequentially or one after another, while including at least one temporalgap, all in response to a single effort by a user (e.g., a single userinput or multiple concurrent user inputs).

Accordingly, a user of a terminal which includes the directional inputunit may enjoy seamless operations and may run a selected operation ofhis or her choice, simply by providing a terminal with a single userinput (or a minimal number of multiple concurrent user inputs), while heor she can optionally turn on (or start to turn on) a display unit oroptionally run (or start to run) at least one authentication operation,even [1] when a terminal is (or has been) powered off, [2] a displayunit was (or has been) turned off in a powered-on state, [3] a terminalis (or has been) in its on-state, or the like.

2-5. Type-3 Directional Input Units—Moving Objects

A fifth objective as well as another exemplary aspect of this disclosureis to construct a directional input unit capable of generating differentor unique control signals concurrently, sequentially, or in acombination thereof, in response to a single movement (or multipleconcurrent movements) of at least one “contacting non-user object” whichis contacting (with or without necessarily pressing or pushing) at leastone portion of a directional input unit or another input unit of aterminal.

In one exemplary embodiment of this fifth objective, a directional inputunit may generate a single control signal or multiple control signals inresponse to various features of a movement of a non-user object.Examples of various features may include [1] a static pattern or adynamic pattern of a movement of a contacting non-user object withrespect to a directional input unit, where a movement may be in a 2-Darea or in a 3-D space, [2] a sequence of a movement of the object,where the sequence may be a temporal sequence, a spatial sequence, or acombination thereof, [3] a direction of a movement of the object, [4] astatic feature or a dynamic feature of a movement of the object whichwill be described in detail below, or the like.

In another exemplary embodiment of this fifth objective, a user may usevarious prior art objects as the above contacting non-user object, aslong as a terminal or its directional input unit may monitor a movementof such non-user object with respect to a directional input unit.Therefore, a “1^(st) class contacting non-user object” may include thosewhich may be manipulated by a user such as, e.g., a stylus, a pen, apointer, a customized pen, or another object a movement of which may berecognizable by a directional input unit. A “2^(nd) class contactingnon-user object” may include those which may be releasably held by auser such as, e.g., those of the 1^(st) class, a pencil, an objectreleasably coupling to a finger, a finger, an artificial finger nail, oranother object a movement of which may be recognizable by a directionalinput unit (or a terminal). A “3^(rd) class of the contacting non-userobject” may include those which may releasably or fixedly couple to auser and readily recognized by a terminal such as, e.g., an object heldby a coupler which is coupled to a user, an object wearable or carriedby a user, or the like. Another class of such contacting non-userobjects may include those of which an image may be taken andrecognizable by a directional input unit (or a terminal), or the like.It is appreciated in the last two classes that such objects may contacta stationary or movable portion of a directional input unit fordelivering a single user input along with at least two (user) sub-inputsone of which is UI_(SEL).

In another exemplary embodiment of this fifth objective, a user maymanipulate a contacting non-user object in various ways to provideUI_(SEL) to a terminal. In one example, a user may provide UI_(SEL) to adirectional input unit by mechanically contacting the object with atleast one stationary or movable portion of a directional input unit by,e.g., [1] touching or contacting the non-user object with the portion(without necessarily applying force to the portion), [2] pressing,pushing, pulling or otherwise applying force to the portion, [3] varyingvarious static or dynamic features of such manipulations (e.g., suchtouching, contacting, pressing, pushing, pulling, or the like), whereexamples of such features may include, [3-1] a period of suchmanipulations, [3-2] a number of such manipulations, [3-3] a sequence ofsuch manipulations, [3-4] a direction of such manipulation, [3-5] aspeed of such manipulation, or the like.

In another example, a user may provide a directional input unit withUI_(SEL) by electrically contacting or coupling the object with at leastone stationary or movable portion of the input unit. Accordingly, theobject which is disposed on or adjacent to the input unit may besupplied with electric voltage or electric current, and may causechanges in electrical property of the portion of the directional inputunit. Such changes may be caused with or without making any mechanicalcontact with the portion of a directional input unit, and the input unit(or terminal) may acquire UI_(SEL) from such changes.

In another example, a user may provide a directional input unit withUI_(SEL) by touching or pressing at least one stationary or movableportion of the input unit with an object which is [1] electricallycharged, [2] conductive, or [3] capacitive, by disposing the object onor adjacent to the portion of the directional input unit. Such touchingor contacting may cause changes in electrical property of the portion ofthe input unit, where the changes may be caused with or without makingany mechanical contact with the portion of the input unit. Thedirectional input unit (or terminal) may acquire UI_(SEL) from suchchanges.

In another example, a user may provide a directional input unit withUI_(SEL) by touching or pressing at least one stationary or movableportion of the input unit with an object which has at least one magneticpole therein or which is magnetized. Accordingly, the magnetic objectwhich is disposed on or adjacent to the input unit may cause (or induce)changes in magnetic or electrical property of the portion of the inputunit. Such touching or contacting may cause changes in electrical ormagnetic property of the portion of the input unit, with or withoutmaking any mechanical contact with the portion of the input unit. Thedirectional input unit (or a terminal) may then acquire UI_(SEL) fromsuch changes. Alternatively, the object may be magnetized when suppliedwith electric voltage or current.

A directional input unit may generate a control signal in directresponse to UI_(SEL), [1] concurrently with receiving a user inputincluding UI_(SEL), or [2] concurrently with acquiring UI_(SEL).Alternatively, a directional input unit may generate such controlsignals [3-1] (immediately) after or within a certain period [3-2] afteracquiring UI_(SEL) or [4] receiving a user input which includes thereinUI_(SEL). Based thereupon, a terminal may select an operation which auser wants to run from a matching list, and then run the selectedoperation in one of the timings described above. A terminal may alsosynchronize such selecting with other operations such as, e.g., suchturning on or such authenticating as described above. A terminal mayalso run such other operations after receiving various user inputs oracquiring such (user) sub-inputs as described in the type-1 directionalinput unit.

Various directional input units of this fifth objective are generallysimilar or identical to the type-1 directional input unit, but suchdirectional input units of this fifth objective may also be configureddifferently therefrom. In one example, a directional input unit may notinclude any movable portion, for not the movable portion but the movingobject provides a user input and UI_(SEL) to a terminal. A directionalinput unit may also include a camera or other hardware or softwareelements capable of acquiring an image of a certain object, and thenanalyzing the image to acquire UI_(SEL) [1] from the object on theimage, [2] from a movement of the object on the image, or the like. Ofcourse, the input may recruit a pre-existing camera of a terminal or apre-existing image analyzing application of a terminal as well.Alternatively, a user may download his or her own applications to thisend.

Therefore, a terminal incorporating such a directional input unitenables a user to enjoy seamless operations such as, e.g., running aselected operation while or (immediately) after a terminal powers on,wakes up, or switches from a mode in an on-state to another mode, andturning on its display unit, simply by exercising a single effort,thereby providing only a single user input or multiple concurrent userinputs. A terminal may synchronize an authentication operation with suchselecting or such turning on, when it is desirable to prevent anunauthorized user from using a terminal. Other detailed objectives andadvantages of these 3^(rd) directional input units are similar oridentical to those of the type-1 or type-2 directional input units.

2-6. Type-4 Directional Input Units—Waves

A sixth objective as well as another exemplary aspect of this disclosureis to construct a directional input unit capable of generating a controlsignal in response to receiving electromagnetic waves or acoustic waveseither concurrently, sequentially or in a combination. Such waves may beirradiated by a user or by a device carried or worn by a user such as,e.g., an add-on device described above. A directional input unit (or aterminal) may receive such waves as a user input, may acquire at leastone (user) sub-input (including UI_(SEL)) therefrom, and may run atleast one of various operations as described above and below.

In one exemplary embodiment of this sixth objective, a user mayincorporate UI_(SEL) into a user input transmitted to a terminal in theform of electromagnetic waves. A directional input unit (or a terminal)may receive such waves as a user input, acquire UI_(SEL) therefrom, andselect and run at least one selected operation which may be selectedfrom a matching list, i.e., a set of multiple pre-selected operationswhich are selected by a terminal or a user. Such electromagnetic wavesmay carry various features therewith, where examples of such variousfeatures may include, but not limited to, [1] an amplitude, [2] afrequency or wavelength, [3] a phase angle, [4] a phase lag, [5] aduration of emission, [6] a signal or a code carried by such waves, orthe like, and a directional input unit may regard each of such featuresas UI_(SEL). Such electromagnetic waves may also carry various imagestherewith, where examples of such images may include, but not limitedto, [1] an image of a user, [2] an image of a user body part, [3] animage of a contacting or non-contacting non-user object, [4] an imagerepresenting a certain signal or code, or the like. A directional inputunit (or a terminal) may receive such waves as a user input, may acquireat least one (user) sub-input therefrom (including UI_(SEL)), and mayrun at least one of various operations as described above and below.

In another exemplary embodiment of this sixth objective, a user mayincorporate UI_(SEL) into a user input which is transmitted to aterminal in the form of acoustic waves. A directional input unit (or aterminal) may receive the user input, acquire UI_(SEL) therefrom, run aselecting operation, and then run at least one selected operation whichis selected from a matching list. The acoustic waves may also carryvarious features therewith, where examples of such features may include,but not limited to, [1] an amplitude, [2] a frequency, [3] a wavelength,[4] a phase angle, [5] a phase lag, [6] a duration of emission, [7] asignal or a code carried by such waves, or the like, and a directionalinput unit may regard each of such features as UI_(SEL). Such acousticwaves may carry certain sounds representing UI_(SEL), where examples ofsuch sounds may include, but not limited to, [1] a sound of a user, [2]a sound made by a user body part, [3] a sound made by a non-user object,[4] a sound made by a user body part and a non-user object, [5] a soundmade by an environment, [6] a sound made by a terminal, or the like. Inaddition, such acoustic waves may be in an audible frequency range or,may instead be in an inaudible frequency range when desirable.

2-7. Matching Selecting (User) Sub-Inputs and Operations

A seventh objective as well as another exemplary aspect of thisdisclosure is to construct a directional input unit which canconcurrently acquire multiple (user) sub-inputs at least one of which isUI_(SEL). A terminal may run a selecting operation desired by a user tobe run by a terminal while or (immediately) after powering on or turningon, e.g., by setting a matching list which matches each of multipleUI_(SEL)'s with each of multiple pre-selected operations, by identifyingwhich one of such pre-selected operations matches the acquired UI_(SEL),and then by running the selected operation. To this end, a terminal maypre-match (or pre-assign) multiple UI_(SEL)'s with (or to) multipleoperations, thereby forming a matching list which may be referred towhenever a terminal acquires UI_(SEL) from a user input.

In one exemplary embodiment of this seventh objective, a directionalinput unit concurrently acquires at least two (user) sub-inputs, whereone is UI_(SEL), where another may be either UI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN), andwhere the input unit generates control signals matching such sub-inputs.In response to such control signals, a terminal runs an activationoperation or an authentication operation, followed by running aselecting operation to select at least one of such pre-selectedoperations from a matching list [1a] concurrently with, [1b](immediately) after, or [1c] within a certain period after variousinstances such as, e.g., [2a] receiving a single user input or multipleconcurrent user inputs, [2b] acquiring UI_(SEL), [2c] acquiring UI_(ACT)or UI_(THEN), [2d] turning on (or starting to turn on) a display unit,or [2e] running (or starting to run) an authentication operation. Theabove arrangements also apply to a terminal which includes multipleinput units which receive at least two concurrent user inputs, where adirectional input unit is the one which acquires UI_(SEL).

In another exemplary embodiment of this seventh objective, a directionalinput unit may receive a single user input which includes UI_(SEL),UI_(ACT), and UI_(THEN). The input unit then generates three differentcontrol signals which may cause a terminal to run a turning onoperation, a user authentication operation, and a selecting operation,in response thereto. Thereafter, a terminal may run the selectedoperation which corresponds to an operation matched to such UI_(SEL).

In another exemplary embodiment of this seventh objective, a terminalmay run a selecting operation [1a] concurrently with, [1b] (immediately)after, or [1c] within a certain period after [2a] receiving a user inputwhich includes UI_(SEL), [2b] acquiring UI_(SEL), [2c] turning on (orstarting to turn on) a display unit when a display unit is (or has been)turned off, [2d] running (or starting to run) an authenticationoperation when user authentication is required, or the like. It isappreciated that running a selecting operation is a prerequisite forrunning a selected operation, for a terminal cannot run a selectedoperation until it locates which operation in a set of multiplepre-selected operations may be the one which a user desires to run whena terminal powers on, wakes up, or advances to a powered-on state, anon-state, or another mode.

In another exemplary embodiment of this seventh objective, after aterminal runs a selecting operation and selects which operation to runfrom a set of multiple pre-selected operations, a terminal may run aselected operation concurrently with, (immediately) after or within acertain period after [1] turning on (or starting to turn on) a displayunit when a display unit has been turned off, or [2] running (orstarting to run) an authentication operation when user authentication isrequired. In addition to those enumerated in Section 1-12-4, furtherexamples of such pre-selected operations may include, but not limitedto, e.g., [1] an operation to decide which mode of operation a terminalis to switch, where examples of such modes may include, e.g., a lockmode, an unlock mode, or an intermediate mode granted with differentaccess authorities, [2] an operation to switch from one mode grantedwith less access authority to another mode with more access authority(or vice versa), [3] an authentication operation when a terminal may notbe set up to (or may not be able to) run an authentication operationupon receiving a user input or when a user desires to run a 2^(nd)additional authentication operation even when a terminal runs (or hasrun) a 1^(st) authentication operation, [4] any other operations which auser desires to run in one of various timings as described above andbelow, [5] any other operations which a user wants to run by accessingan external hardware element or software element necessary to run theoperation.

More particularly, those pre-selected operations which a user wants torun after a terminal powers on, wakes up, or switches states (or modes)may be classified into several different types, primarily depending onwhere (software) applications to run such pre-selected operationsreside. For example, when a (software) application to run a selectedoperation resides inside a terminal, the operation is abbreviated as a“1^(st)-type pre-selected operation.” In another example, when a(software) application to run a selected operation does not reside in aterminal (i.e., when the application resides in an external device), theoperation is referred to as a “2^(ndt)-type pre-selected operation.” Inanother example, when a (software) application to run a selectedoperations may reside neither in a terminal nor in an external device,but may be accessible via an Internet, such an operation is referred toas a “3^(rd)-type pre-selected operation.”

Accordingly, a user of a mobile communication terminal including adirectional input unit may enjoy seamless operations, e.g., by providingthe input unit with a single user input (or multiple concurrent userinputs). More particularly, such seamless operations include running aselected operation which is selected from a matching list. To this end,a user may select multiple operations which he or she desires to runwhile or (immediately) after powering on, waking up, or switching to anew state (or mode), and may then assign each UI_(SEL) to at least oneof the pre-selected operations, thereby setting up a matching list.Thereafter, a terminal may match an acquired UI_(SEL) with at least oneof multiple pre-selected operations in a matching list. It isappreciated that, when a user provides multiple UI_(SEL)'s, each of suchUI_(SEL)'s may be acquired concurrently with each other or one at a timeby a directional input unit. Upon acquiring UI_(SEL), a directionalinput unit may generate a control signal and send the signal to aterminal which then runs a certain selected operation which is matchedwith (or assigned to) such UI_(SEL).

It is, therefore, appreciated that a terminal is provided with a“matching list” which is a list of such matchings or assignments betweenat least one of multiple UI_(SEL)'s and each of multiple operationswhich are pre-selected by a terminal (or a user) and at least one ofwhich is to be run by a terminal after powering on, waking up, orswitching to a new state (or mode). The matching list may also be setup, maintained, or modified by various ways. For example, a user (or aterminal) may modify such a list so that, e.g., a user may add a newoperation to the matching list or delete an already existing operationtherefrom.

Depending upon a detailed structure, the number of such pre-selectedoperations included in the matching list may be the same as the numberof UI_(SEL)'s. Accordingly, each pre-selected operation may be matchedwith (or assigned to) each UI_(SEL), where such a matching is to bereferred to as a “one-to-one matching” or a “1-to-1 matching.”

Alternatively, the matching list may include the 1^(st) number of suchpre-selected operations and the 2^(nd) number of UI_(SEL)'s, where a1^(st) number is different from a 2^(nd) number. In this arrangement, aterminal may assign at least two UI_(SEL)'s to a single pre-selectedoperation, or may instead match a single UI_(SEL) to at least twopre-selected operations, where this arrangement may be referred to as a“1-to-n matching,” a “n-to-1 matching.” In addition, a terminal mayassign at least two UI_(SEL)'s to at least two pre-selected operation,where such may be referred to as an “m-to-n matching” hereinafter, wherem and n are integers and where m may be greater than, equal to, or lessthat n. Therefore, a user may render a terminal run at least twopre-selected operations either concurrently or sequentially afterpowering on or waking up, by simply providing a single UI_(SEL), or auser may render a terminal run a single pre-selected operation byproviding at least two UI_(SEL)'s. Of course, when a number of suchpre-selected operations is the same as a number of UI_(SEL)'s, aterminal may use the “m-to-n” matching when some pre-selected operationsare matched to a fewer number of UI_(SEL)'s, while some UI_(SEL)'s arematched to a fewer number of such pre-selected operations so that atotal number of UI_(SEL)'s may be the same as a total number of suchpre-selected operations. Because a user can run the selected operationby applying at least two different UI_(SEL)'s, this arrangement offers auser with such benefits that [1] a user who is not authorized cannoteasily run the selected operation, [2] a terminal can reduce a chance ofaccidentally running the selected operation unless a user preciselyprovides such UI_(SEL) for that selected operation, or the like.Alternatively, this arrangement offers a user with such benefits that auser may run at least two selected operations by simply providing asingle UI_(SEL).

2-8. Directional Input Units and Sensors

A eighth objective which is another exemplary aspect of this disclosureis to construct a directional input unit which may generate multiple,different or unique control signals either [1] concurrently, [2]sequentially, or [3] in a combination thereof, in response to at leastone user input which may include therein UI_(SEL) along with at leastone of other sub-inputs such as UI_(ACT), UI_(THEN), UI_(SWI), orUI_(AUX). When a terminal includes a “matching list,” a terminal maydetermine which one of multiple pre-selected operation to run afterpowering on, waking up, or switching to a new state (or mode).

When a terminal receives the control signal from a directional inputunit, a terminal drives a certain hardware or software element forrunning at least one selected operation which may be assigned to or maymatch UI_(SEL). Depending on detailed structure or configuration of aterminal, a control signal may directly drive the hardware or softwareelement to run the selected operation. When desirable, a terminal maygenerate a control signal in response to UI_(SEL), instead ofconfiguring the directional input unit to do so.

In one exemplary embodiment of this eighth objective, a directionalinput unit may include at least two sensors, where a 1^(st) sensor mayacquire UI_(SEL), while a 2^(nd) sensor may acquire UI_(ACT) orUI_(THEN). In response to the sub-inputs, each sensor generates a uniqueor distinct control signal which can be recognized by a terminal. Ingeneral, such sensors are positioned in, on or around a directionalinput unit as a unitary element of the input unit. Alternatively, suchsensors may be incorporated into another portion of a terminal butcommunicate with a directional input unit wirelessly or through wire. Tothis end, such sensors may be provided as a separate element and,therefore, may not be deemed as a part of a directional input unit. Inaddition, such sensors may be provided as (or included in) an add-ondevice which can releasably couple with a directional input unit oranother portion of a terminal.

In another exemplary embodiment of this eighth objective, a terminal mayincorporate a 3^(rd) number of sensors into a directional input unit butmay be able to acquire a 4^(th) number of sub-inputs, where the 4^(th)number may be greater than the 3^(rd) number. That is, a terminal mayacquire more UI_(SEL)'s using a fewer number of sensors such that, e.g.,one sensor acquires only one 1^(st) UI_(SEL) (e.g., a position of amovable portion), and that a terminal acquires therefrom at least one2^(nd) temporal or spatial feature such as, e.g., [1] a velocity of astationary portion or a movable portion of a directional input unit, [2]an acceleration of the portion, [3] a distance of a movement, [4] atotal displacement, or the like. Conversely, a terminal may acquire afewer UI_(SEL)'s using a greater number of sensors. This configurationmay be employed to increase accuracy through, e.g., a redundantmeasurement of a certain static or dynamic feature of a user input, orthe like. In addition, a terminal may recruit a software element in sucha way that the software element analyzes a certain static or dynamicfeature of a movement, and then acquires at least one additional featuretherefrom, e.g., through a numerical integration, differentiation,interpolation, or the like. That is, a terminal or its directional inputunit may not have to incorporate a certain number of prior art sensorsin order to acquire the certain number of UI_(SEL)'s.

In either embodiment, a user of a mobile communication terminalincluding a directional input unit may enjoy seamless operations such asrunning a selecting operation upon powering, waking up or modeswitching, by simply providing a single user input (or multipleconcurrent user inputs), mainly due to multiple sensors which areimplemented into the input unit. In addition, a terminal (or a user) mayadjust a matching between multiple pre-selected operations (or multiplecontrol signals) and multiple UI_(SEL)'s such as in, e.g., a 1-to-1matching, a 2-to-1 (or 3-to-1) matching, a 1-to-2 (or 1-to-3) matching,an m-to-n matching or the like. Therefore, a terminal may run multiplepre-selected operations while or (immediately) after powering on orwaking up.

2-9. Detailed Configuration (1)

A ninth objective as well as another exemplary aspect of this disclosureis to construct a directional input unit capable of acquiring multiple(user) sub-inputs concurrently, thereby providing seamless operations toa user of a mobile communication terminal. In one example, when a userprovides multiple (user) sub-inputs such as, e.g., UI_(SEL) andUI_(ACT), a terminal may turn on a display unit, run a selectingoperation, and seamlessly run at least one selected operation whichmatches UI_(SEL). In another example, when a user provides UI_(SEL) andUI_(THEN), a terminal may run an authentication operation and aselecting operation seamlessly. When a user passes the authenticating, aterminal may seamlessly run a selected operation which is selected by auser. When a user fails the authenticating, however, a terminal may [1]keep its display unit turned off, [2] advance to a lock mode, [3] remainin a lock mode when a terminal was (or has been) in the lock mode, or[4] run a default operation which is different from the selectedoperation. It is appreciated in both examples that a user may alsoprovide multiple UI_(SEL)'s concurrently or sequentially.

As described above, in response to a single user input includingUI_(SEL) or multiple concurrent user inputs one of which includesUI_(SEL), a terminal may run at least two operations in response to theuser input(s) in various “synchronization schemes” as follows. Forexample, a terminal turns on a display unit (in response to UI_(ACT)),runs a selecting operation (in response to UI_(SEL)), and then also runsat least one selected operation (based on UI_(SEL)). In another example,a terminal runs an authentication operation (in response to UI_(THEN))and runs a selecting operation (in response to UI_(SEL)). When a userpasses the authenticating, a terminal may then run at least one selectedoperation (based UI_(SEL)). But when a user fails the authenticating, aterminal may keep its display unit turned off, advance to a lock mode,or the like, as described above. Alternatively, a terminal may run aselecting operation only when a user passes such authenticating. Inanother example, a terminal may turn on a display unit (in response toUI_(ACT)), run an authentication operation (in response to UI_(THEN)),and also run a selecting operation (in response to UI_(SEL)), where aterminal may perform such turning on, authenticating, and selectingconcurrently or sequentially (with or without a temporal gaptherebetween, without a temporal overlap therebetween). Thereafter, aterminal may run at least one selected operation (based on UI_(SEL)).

It is appreciated that a single directional input unit may receive asingle user input or multiple concurrent user inputs or that multipledirectional input units may receive multiple concurrent user inputsprovided by a single user, e.g., when a user touches or presses multipleinput units concurrently with each other such as, e.g., [1] maintaininga temporal overlap therebetween, or [2] without having to detach his orher body part (or a non-user object) from all of such multiple inputunits, i.e., a user may detach one body part from one of such multipleinput units as long as a user keeps his or her body part (or a non-userobject) contacting or pressing at least another of such multiple inputunits. Once locating a matching list which match multiple UI_(SEL)'swith multiple pre-selected operations in a 1-to-1, 1-to-n, m-to-1 orm-to-n matching, a terminal may start to run a selecting operation, andfinish to run such a selecting operation.

In a hardware level, running a turning on operation (i.e., turning on)typically includes the steps such as, e.g., rendering a display unitready, receiving UI_(ACT), closing a switch, supplying electric powerthereto, or the like. Running an authentication operation (i.e.,authenticating) similarly includes the steps such as, e.g., activatingan authentication sensor, driving a hardware or software element foruser authenticating, acquiring UI_(THEN) or another authenticationinformation, comparing UI_(THEN) or authentication information withstored authentication information, determining whether UI_(THEN) orinformation matches the stored information, or the like. Running aselecting operation also includes the steps such as, e.g., retrievingthe matching list, acquiring UI_(SEL), driving a selecting softwareelement for such selecting, locating [1] a control signal or [2] atleast one of the pre-selected operations from the matching list, or thelike. It is appreciated that it usually takes different amount of timein [1] activating different hardware elements, [2] executing differentsoftware elements, [3] acquiring different sub-inputs using differentsensors, or the like. Such a terminal may also spend different amountsof time in loading different software elements, in executing suchsoftware applications or relevant portions of an O/S, or the like.Therefore, in a hardware or software level, a terminal is more likely tostart or to complete at least two of such selecting, turning on, orauthenticating in different instances, even when a directional inputunit concurrently acquires UI_(SEL) and at least one of UI_(ACT) andUI_(THEN). By the same token, even when a terminal runs (or starts torun) such selecting, turning on, and authenticating in differentinstances, a terminal may finish at least two of such selecting, turningon, and authenticating in the same instance.

When a terminal includes an O/S or a (software) element of differenttypes, the terminal may execute various steps of such operations indifferent sequences, regardless of when to start to run such turning on,selecting, or authenticating. For example, an O/S may execute only onestep at a time when it is a single tasking system, while another O/S mayexecute multiple steps concurrently when it is a multiple-taskingsystem. Accordingly, even when an O/S drives a certain hardware elementin certain timings, the nature of an O/S also determines when or whethera terminal can drive a certain hardware or software element concurrentlyor sequentially.

Accordingly, a terminal may synchronize various operations according todifferent schemes. For example, a terminal or, more particularly, adirectional input unit (or at least two input units one of which is adirectional input unit) may receive a single user input or multipleconcurrent user inputs and may acquire multiple (user) sub-inputs in anat least substantial concurrency. However, a terminal may run (or startto run) such turning-on, authenticating, and selecting [1] concurrentlywith each other, [2] sequentially (i.e., one after another, with atemporal gap therebetween), or the like. In addition, a terminal maycomplete or finish (or start to complete or finish) running at least twoof such operations [1] concurrently with each other, [2] sequentially,or the like. As a result, a user may still enjoy seamless operations,although various operations initiated by concurrently-obtained (user)sub-inputs may start or finish in different instances.

2-10. Detailed Configuration

A tenth objective as well as another exemplary aspect of this disclosureis to construct a directional input unit capable of acquiring multiple(user) sub-inputs concurrently, thereby providing seamless operations toa user of a mobile communication terminal. To this end, a terminalrecruits hardware or software elements in various arrangements toreceive a single user input including multiple (user) sub-inputs (suchas, e.g., UI_(SEL), UI_(THEN), UI_(ACT), or UI_(SWI)) or to receivemultiple concurrent user inputs each of which or all of which mayinclude at least one of such (user) sub-inputs.

In one exemplary embodiment of this tenth objective, a terminal mayrecruit at least one hardware or software element to run a selectingoperation, to run a turning on operation, to run at least one userauthentication operation, or the like. More particularly, to run suchmultiple operations, a terminal may recruit different portions of thesame (or different) hardware element, different portions of the same (ordifferent) software element, or the like. In another example, a terminalmay recruit a certain hardware or software element in order to turn onits display unit or to run an authentication operation, while recruitingthe same (or different) hardware element, or the same (or different)software element to run a selecting operation. Once identifying whichone of multiple pre-selected operations to run from the result ofrunning the selecting operation, a terminal may run at least oneselected operation, while assigning the same, similar or differentaccess authorities to such a hardware or software element, whereby auser may or may not drive a certain hardware or software element,depending upon his or her access authorities granted to the user by aterminal in a certain mode of operation.

In another exemplary embodiment of this tenth objective, recruiting acertain hardware or software element or assigning suitable accessauthorities may also be synchronized with various timings as describedabove and below in conjunction with running a selecting operation,turning on a display unit, running an authentication operation, or thelike. More particularly, a terminal may perform such recruiting (orstarting to recruit) or such assigning (or starting to assign) invarious timings such as, e.g., [1] before running (or starting to run)at least one of such operations enumerated in this paragraph, [2]concurrently with running (or starting to run) at least one of suchoperations, [3] (immediately) after running (or starting to run) atleast one of such operations, [4] within a certain period after running(or starting to run) at least one of such operations, or the like. Aterminal may perform such recruiting (or starting to recruit) or suchassigning (or starting to assign) in various timings such as, e.g., [1]before finishing (or starting to finish) at least one of suchoperations, [2] concurrently with finishing (or starting to finish) atleast one of such operations, [3] (immediately) after finishing (orstarting to finish) at least one of such operations, or [4] within acertain period after finishing (or starting to finish) at least one ofthe operations.

2-11. Waking-Up and Running a Selected Operation with a Single (User)Sub-Input

An eleventh objective and another exemplary aspect of the disclosure isto fabricate a mobile communication terminal which runs a selectingoperation concurrently with or (immediately) after performing [1]turning on a display unit or authenticating a user, or [2] both of suchturning on and such authenticating, all in response to a single userinput which accompanies therewith only UI_(SEL) or multiple (user)sub-inputs one of which is UI_(SEL). To this end, a terminal maycondition either or both of such turning on and such authenticating uponUI_(SEL) (or vice versa).

In a 1^(st) exemplary embodiment of this eleventh objective and when aterminal does not use any authentication operation, a user may provide asingle user input to a directional input unit, where the user input onlyincludes UI_(SEL). A directional input unit may include a single sensorcapable of acquiring UI_(SEL) from the user input and generating atleast one control signal. Upon receiving the control signal, a terminalconfirms acquisition of UI_(SEL) which may warrant that a user desires[1] to power on a terminal from its powered-off state, [2] to wake up aterminal from its off-state, or [3] to switch to a new state (or mode).Once a terminal powers on, wakes up, or switches to a new state (ormode), a terminal runs the selected operation.

As described above, a terminal may condition such turning on or suchauthenticating upon [1] such selecting or [2] running at least oneselected operation which is designated by UI_(SEL) and which is alsoselected from a matching list (or vice versa). Therefore, a terminal mayrun a selecting operation [1] (immediately) before, [2] concurrentlywith, [3] (immediately) after, or [4] within a certain period after suchturning on or authenticating. Accordingly, a directional input unit mayneed a single sensor therein, and a user may need to provide a singleuser input which may in turn include a single UI_(SEL). That is, it isdeemed that a terminal may “condition” such turning on “upon” UI_(SEL)(or vice versa). A terminal may improve an efficiency or reliability ofthis arrangement by configuring that a directional input unit mayacquire UI_(SEL) [1] only when a user moves a movable portion of adirectional input unit, [2] only when a user moves a user body part (ora non-user object) beyond a certain distance or angle, while maintaininga contact with the input unit, or the like, thereby preventing anaccidental acquisition of incorrect UI_(SEL).

In a 2^(nd) exemplary embodiment of this eleventh objective when aterminal employs user authenticating, a user may provide a directionalinput unit with a single user input which may include only a singleUI_(THEN) therein. A directional input unit may include a singleauthentication sensor for acquiring UI_(THEN), where an authenticationsensor may recognize multiple UI_(THEN)'s or authentication informationsuch as, e.g., different fingerprints of multiple fingers, differentimages of a same iris acquired in different angles or directions,dynamic patterns of blood pressures of the same user measured indifferent fingers or different positions along a same or different armor leg, or the like. To this end, a directional input unit may includemultiple sensors. A terminal may also match multiple UI_(THEN)'s withmultiple pre-selected operations.

When a user supplies a user input including a single UI_(THEN), adirectional input unit may acquire such UI_(THEN) and determine whetheror not a current user is presenting an authentic fingerprint and, whenhe or she does, the input unit may also decide which one of multiplepre-selected fingers a user is presenting. Based thereon, a terminal maydetermine which one of multiple pre-selected operations a user desiresto run after a terminal powers on, wakes up, or switches to a new state(or mode). In other words, a terminal of this example not onlyauthenticates a user but also runs a selecting operation so as todetermine which one of multiple pre-selected operations a user wants torun after such powering on, waking up, or mode switching.

A terminal may wake up in many different ways such as, e.g., turning ona display unit while executing steps necessary for such turning on, orkeeping a display unit turned off while executing such steps.Alternatively, a terminal may turn on a display unit and display a lock(or home) screen thereon, depending upon an outcome obtained from suchuser authenticating. Regardless of such differences in detailedlogistics of powering on or waking up in this 2^(nd) embodiment, it isdeemed that a terminal of this embodiment may “condition” both of suchturning on and such selecting “upon” a single UI_(THEN).

In a 3^(rd) exemplary embodiment of this eleventh objective when aterminal employs at least one authentication operation, a user mayprovide a single user input to a directional input unit, where a userinput includes only a single UI_(THEN). A directional input unit mayinclude a single authentication sensor for acquiring UI_(THEN). However,an authentication sensor of this embodiment may acquire multipleUI_(THEN)'s in different pre-selected areas of the sensor such as, e.g.,in a center area of the sensor, in its right-upper corner, in itsright-lower corner, in its left-upper corner, in its left-lower corner,or the like. A terminal of this 3^(rd) embodiment may match suchmultiple areas of a sensor with multiple UI_(THEN)'s and, accordingly,may match each of such multiple areas of the sensor with each of suchmultiple pre-selected operations which a user desires to run after aterminal may power on, wake up, or switch to a new modes. Accordingly,when a user supplies a user input including a single UI_(THEN) to acertain area of the sensor, a directional input unit may determinewhether a current user is presenting an authentic fingerprint anddetermine which area from a set of multiple pre-selected areas of thesensor acquires UI_(THEN) as well. Based thereupon, a terminal mayauthenticate a user as well as run a selected operation which a user hasselected from a set of multiple authentication information.

A terminal may wake up in various ways, e.g., turning on a display unitwhile executing such steps described in the preceding paragraph orkeeping a display unit turned off while executing such steps. In thealternative, a terminal may turn on a display unit, and then display alock (or home) screen depending on an outcome which is obtained from theauthenticating. Regardless of such differences in their detailedlogistics, it is deemed that a terminal of this 3^(rd) embodiment may“condition” both of such turning on and such selecting “upon” UI_(THEN).

It is appreciated in the above 2^(nd) and 3^(rd) embodiments that aterminal is deemed to “condition” such turning on and suchauthenticating “upon” UI_(SEL) (i.e., UI_(THEN)). It is true that aterminal may include a single authenticating sensor and that the sensoracquires UI_(THEN). However, a user should select at least one ofmultiple pre-selected fingers for such authenticating in the 2^(nd)embodiment, whereas a user has to select at least one of multiplepre-selected areas of a sensor in the 3^(rd) embodiment. In thiscontext, the terminals in such 2^(nd) and 3^(rd) embodiments may bedeemed to require a user to make a selection which finger or which imagea user provides to a terminal or which area of a sensor a user mayutilize when providing a single sub-input or multiple concurrentsub-inputs. Therefore, such terminals may be deemed to condition otherwake-up operations upon a selecting operation.

In general, a terminal [1] may run (or start to run) such selecting,authenticating, or turning on in response to various (user) sub-inputsin different timings, [2] may finish (or start to finish) suchoperations in different timings based upon a nature of an O/S or a(software) application. For example, when a terminal includes a singletasking O/S, driving a hardware or software element is typicallyperformed sequentially (i.e., one after another). Therefore, accordingto a source code of the O/S or a (software) application, a terminalwhich concurrently acquires multiple (user) sub-inputs may start to run,run, start to finish, or finish such selecting, authenticating orturning on in various timings, in various orders, or the like.

However, when a terminal includes a multiple-tasking O/S, the terminalmay run such selecting, turning on, or authenticating concurrently witheach other. Accordingly, a terminal which concurrently acquires multiple(user) sub-inputs may start to run, run, start to finish, or finish theabove operations concurrently with each other. In other words, becausevarious terminals of this disclosure may include a single tasking O/S ora multiple-tasking O/S, an exact instance (or order) of starting to run,running, starting to finish, or finishing two or more operations maydepend on such a nature of the O/S.

Accordingly, it is appreciated that, regardless of the detailedfunctionality of an O/S and whether an O/S is a single- ormultiple-tasking program, an O/S may be deemed to “concurrently” run aselecting operation and at least one of an authentication operation anda turning on operation, [1] when an O/S runs (or starts to run) suchoperations at the same instance, or [2] when an O/S runs the operationsin such a way that the O/S does not run (or does not start to run) allof such operations at the same instance but that the O/S starts to runthe last of such operations before the O/S finishes to run the first ofsuch operations. That is, concurrently running at least two operationsmeans that an O/S runs at least two operations while definingtherebetween at least one temporal overlap. In contrary, sequentiallyrunning at least two operations does not define any temporal overlapbetween such operations. Rather, the O/S runs a 1^(st) operation and,upon or only after finishing the 1^(st) operation, it starts to run a2^(nd) operation.

2-12. Notice Units to Assist User

A twelfth objective and another exemplary aspect of this disclosure isto incorporate at least one “notice unit” into a mobile communicationterminal, whereby a notice unit may provide a user with [1] a “visualnotice signal,” [2] an “audible notice signal,” or [3] a “tactile noticesignal” regarding details of [1] UI_(SEL) provided by a user, [2]multiple UI_(SEL)'s which a user may choose, [3] at least twopre-selected operations included in a matching list, [4] allpre-selected operations in the matching list, [5] matching or assigningbetween such UI_(SEL)'s and such pre-selected operations, and the like.Therefore, a user may confirm UI_(SEL) which he or she provides (or hasto provide), or may take a remedial action when he or she has providedwrong UI_(SEL) to a directional input unit.

A terminal may provide such notice signals using pre-existing hardwareelements such as, e.g., [1] a display unit (for visual notice signals),[2] a speaker (for audible notice signals), [3] a vibrator (for tactilenotice signals), and the like. Alternatively, a terminal may include a“notice unit” which is a unit separate from the display unit, speaker,or vibrator, which generates such notice signals, and which provides auser with such notice signals.

A notice unit may be disposed in various locations on or around aterminal. For example, a notice unit may be disposed adjacent to oraround a directional input unit in such a way that a user may readilyconfirm [1] which UI_(SEL) a user has to provide to run a certainselected operation, [2] which UI_(SEL) a user has provided and whichoperation is to be selected as the selected operation, [3] whichpre-selected operation has been selected as the selected operation, orthe like. In another example, a notice unit may be disposed away from adirectional input unit, but in a location which is convenient for a userto confirm various notice signals. When a notice unit generates anaudible or tactile notice signals, an exact location of a notice unitwith respect to such input units may not be material, as far as a usermay readily hear the audible notice signals or a user may feel thetactile notice signals.

2-13. Use Applications

A thirteenth objective which is another exemplary aspect of thisdisclosure is to construct various directional input units byincorporating the directional input units into prior art mobilecommunication devices and by converting such prior art devices into themobile communication terminals of this disclosure. For example, suchdirectional input units or at least some portions thereof may beincorporated into [1] prior art smart-phones, [2] prior artmobile-phones, [3] prior art mobile pads, [4] prior art personal digitalassistants, [5] prior art web pads, [6] other prior art wirelesscommunication devices, or the like, where such prior art devices areequipped with wireless communication capabilities, and where suchdevices may also include at least a minimum number of hardware orsoftware elements for running a certain operation as well.

In another example, various directional input units or their portionsmay also be incorporated into other prior art mobile communicationdevices such as, e.g., a laptop computer, a PDA, a mobile pad, or otherportable devices. In addition, various directional input units or theirportions may further be incorporated into other prior art electricarticles or other prior art articles including electrical controller(including a computer, a control panel, or a controller) of [1] anautomobile, [2] an industrial or personal robot, [3] a drone, or otherstationary or mobile articles which are equipped with such capabilities.It is appreciated in this example that such electric controller with thedirectional input unit [1] may be disposed inside or on such articles or[2] may be incorporated into an external device therefore.

In yet another example, such directional input units may be implementedinto control systems of other electric or electro-mechanical devices,where examples of such devices may include, e.g., [1] a transportationvehicle such as a manual or electric bicycle, a motor cycle with anengine or an electrical motor, an automobile with an internal combustionengine, an electric automobile, an airplane, a helicopter, a drone, aboat, a vessel, or the like, [2] a non-transportation equipment such asa bulldozer, a truck, a crane, or other heavy equipment. In addition,such directional input units may be implemented into [3] other prior artdata processing devices for various purposes such as, e.g., processing,storing or retrieving various data or information, [4] into other priorart wireless or wired communication devices which are incorporated intosuch vehicles or equipment of the [1] or [2] of this paragraph, or thelike. In one specific example, a directional input unit may beimplemented into a control system of an automobile and allow a driver tomanipulate a CPU member or an O/S of the control system, thereby drivinga hardware or software element of the automobile. In another specificexample, one of such various terminals or its directional input unit ofthis disclosure may releasably couple with an automobile in such a waythat a driver may manipulate the directional input unit of such aterminal to manipulate operations of the automobile. Such directionalinput units or terminals of this disclosure may further be implementedinto other prior art devices, vehicles, or equipment of this disclosurefor the similar or related purposes.

2-14. User Applications

A fourteenth objective or another exemplary aspect of this disclosure isto fabricate a mobile communication terminal equipped with a directionalinput unit which not only guarantees seamless operations but also meetsdifferent needs of different users. For example, a directional inputunit can acquire UI_(SEL) or concurrently acquire UI_(SEL) and at leastone another (user) sub-input which is included in a single user input orin multiple concurrent user inputs, and each of which is matched to acertain operation of a terminal. Accordingly, once acquiring UI_(SEL), aterminal can run an operation desired by a user while or (immediately)after powering on, waking up, or switching to a new state (or mode).

In one example, a user may exercise a single effort to a directionalinput unit such as, e.g., providing a single user input or concurrentlysupplying multiple user inputs, while a terminal is in a powered-offstate, an off-state, or a certain mode. A directional input unit mayreceive a user input, acquire at least two sub-inputs, and then send atleast two control signals to a terminal. Upon receiving such controlsignals, a terminal runs at least two operations, where one operation isto power on a terminal, to wake up a terminal, or to switch to a newstate (or mode), and where another operation is loading a certain (e.g.,messenger, email, SNS, SMS, or navigation) application selected based onthe acquired UI_(SEL). Alternatively, one of the operations may be anauthentication operation, while another may be loading a certainapplication to run the selected operation intended by a user. Therefore,a user can enjoy seamless operations such as (1) powering on a terminal,waking up a terminal, or switching to a new state (or mode), (2)selecting a desired application from a matching list based on UI_(SEL),and (3) running the selected operation seamlessly, simply by providing asingle user input (or multiple concurrent user inputs) to a terminal,when [1] a terminal is (or has been) powered off, [2] its display unitis (or has been) turned off, or [3] a terminal is (or has been)operating in a certain current mode.

Therefore and in one case, a user may exercise a single effort to adirectional input unit as described above. In response thereto, adirectional input unit may acquire UI_(ACT), UI_(THEN), and UI_(SEL),and then send three control signals to a terminal which may then turn ona display unit, authenticate a user and, when a user passes suchauthenticating, run a selecting operation. Once completing the selectingoperation, a terminal may proceed to run the selected operation, withoutrequiring a user to provide any additional user input to load a(software) application and to run the selected operation.

In another case, a directional input unit may acquire UI_(ACT),UI_(THEN), and two UI_(SEL)'s, and then send four control signals to aterminal which may then turn on a display unit, authenticate a user and,when a user passes such authenticating, run two selecting operations.Once completing the selecting operation, a terminal may proceed to runthe 1^(st) selected operation and then to run the 2^(nd) selectedoperation, without requiring a user to provide any additional user inputto load a (software) application and to run the 1^(st) and 2^(nd)selected operations. It is appreciated that a terminal may providemultiple windows on a display unit such that a user may concurrently runsuch 1^(st) and 2^(nd) selected operations. A terminal may instead allowa user to run such 1^(st) and 2^(nd) selected operations sequentiallysuch that, when a user finishes to run the 1^(st) operation, a terminalmay automatically load a (software) application and then run the 2^(nd)selected operation, without requiring a user to provide any additionaluser input therefore.

In another case, a user may exercise a single effort to a directionalinput unit as described above, while hoping that he or she wants to takea picture immediately after powering on or waking up a terminal.However, a user may not remember in which direction a user has to push amovable portion of a directional input unit in order to generate acontrol signal which is matched to an operation of loading a camera. Inthis case, a terminal may provide a user with visual notice signals andinform the user which direction is assigned to a camera loadingoperation. Accordingly, a user may enjoy seamless operations byproviding a proper UI_(SEL) to a terminal.

2-15. User Advantages

A fifteenth objective which is another exemplary aspect of thisdisclosure is to construct a directional input unit capable ofgenerating multiple unique control signals either concurrently,sequentially, or in their combinations, in response to a single userinput (or multiple concurrent user inputs). More particularly, even whena terminal is completely powered off or its display unit has been turnedoff, a user may readily power on a terminal or turn on the display unit,and may additionally run his or her desired operation in a lock orunlock mode, by simply providing a single user input (or multiple userinputs concurrently) to a directional input unit. Therefore, such aterminal equipped with one of various directional input unit of thisdisclosure can guarantee a user with optimum seamless operations.

Various directional input units may receive a user input which alsoincludes UI_(SEL), UI_(ACT), UI_(THEN), or the like in such a way thatsuch seamless operations also include a user authentication based on afingerprint, an iris, a retina, a face, or the like. In addition, suchdirectional input units may also receive a user input which includesadditional and different (user) sub-inputs. In other words, variousdirectional input units of this disclosure can provide more and moreseamless operations as such input units are equipped with more and moresensors each of which may acquire an additional (user) sub-input.

For example, a directional input unit can be expanded to receive a userinput and to concurrently acquire, e.g., at least two different (user)sub-inputs (e.g., UI_(SEL) and UI_(ACT), or UI_(SEL) and UI_(THEN)), atleast three different (user) sub-inputs (e.g., a set of UI_(SEL),UI_(ACT), and UI_(THEN1), another set of UI_(SEL), UI_(ACT), andUI_(THEN2), or yet another set of UI_(SEL), UI_(THEN1), and UI_(THEN2)),where UI_(THEN1) and UI_(THEN2) represent different authenticationsub-inputs for different authentication operations A directional inputunit may acquire at least four different (user) sub-inputs as well suchas, e.g., a set of UI_(SEL), UI_(ACT), UI_(THEN1), and UI_(THEN2),another set of UI_(SEL), UI_(ACT), UI_(THEN), and UI_(AUX), or yetanother set of UI_(SEL1), UI_(SEL2), UI_(ACT), and UI_(THEN), whereUI_(SEL1) and UI_(SEL2) denote sub-inputs for two different selectingoperations each of which selects an operation which a user desires torun concurrently or sequentially when a terminal wakes up or advances toan unlock mode (or another mode).

Due to the foregoing, a user of a mobile communication terminalimplemented with the directional input unit of this disclosure only hasto exercise a single effort in order to run a selecting operation and,therefore, to run at least one selected operation while or (immediately)after a terminal powers on, wakes up, or switches to a new state (ormode). Because a directional input unit may differentiate user inputsapplied in different directions, a terminal equipped with thedirectional input unit of this disclosure may allow a user to select andrun a desired operation from a set of three, four or more pre-selectedoperations, thereby offering a vast selection options of operations.

3. Additional Objectives

Various directional input units for mobile communication terminalsdisclosed heretofore and hereinafter receive a single user input (ormultiple concurrent user inputs) which may include therein or accompanytherewith at least one selecting (user) sub-input (UI_(SEL)), optionallyalong with at least one (user) sub-input such as, e.g., anauthentication (user) sub-input (UI_(THEN)), an activation (user)sub-input (UI_(ACT)), a mode-switching (user) sub-input (UI_(SWI)), orthe like. From a single user input, various directional input units canacquire UI_(SEL), whereas other (user) sub-inputs may be acquired [1] bythe same directional input unit, [2] by another directional input unit,or [3] by a non-directional input unit.

Accordingly and in another exemplary aspect, a mobile communicationterminal includes at least one display unit and may switch between anoff-state and an on-state. The terminal is not completely powered off inboth states, while the display unit is turned off in the off-state butturned on in the on-state. The terminal further includes at least onedirectional input unit which receives a single user input from a userand which includes a 1^(st) sensor for acquiring a 1^(st) direction ofthe single user input (e.g., a direction in which a user applies thesingle user input). Upon (or after) receiving the single user input inthe off-state, the terminal may select at least one selected operationfrom a set of multiple pre-selected operations either [1a] based on the1^(st) direction or [1b] determined by the 1^(st) direction, and may runthe selected operation either [2a] upon or [2b] (immediately) after theterminal switches from the off-state to the on-state in response to thesingle user input, where the selected operation is neither an operationof turning on a display unit nor a user authentication operation.Therefore, the terminal may seamlessly run the selected operation inresponse to the single user input and may also run an operation ofturning on the display unit or authenticating the user in response tothe same single user input.

Alternatively, one of such multiple pre-selected operations may beselected from a 1^(st) group consisting of a 1^(st) operation of takinga picture, a 2^(nd) operation of recording a video clip, a 3^(rd)operation of recording a user voice, a non-user voice or a non-humansound, a 4^(th) operation of connecting to a wireless network forcommunication, a 5^(th) operation of connecting to a global or localwebsite, a 6^(th) operation of receiving, reading, writing or sendingemails, a 7^(th) operation of making or receiving phone calls orreviewing a call history, an 8^(th) operation of reading, writing,receiving, editing, or sending short messages, a 9^(th) operation ofreading, writing, receiving, editing, sending, or responding to messagesvia a social networking service, a 10^(th) operation of accessing orretrieving data stored in a terminal or an external device or storingdata thereinto, an 11^(th) operation of connecting to an externaldevice, a 12^(th) operation of connecting to an IoT network, acombination of at least two of the above, or the like. Accordingly, aterminal can seamlessly run the selected operation in response to thesingle user input, as well as run at least one of an operation ofturning on the display unit and an operation of authenticating the user.A terminal may also select the selected operation from a 2^(nd) group or3^(rd) group of such multiple pre-selected operations as will bedescribed below.

In such a terminal, the first direction may be [D1] not completelyvertical to a long axis of the terminal, when the input unit is disposedon a front or rear surface thereof or on a side edge thereof, [D2] atleast partially parallel with the long axis, when the input unit isdisposed on the front or rear surface or on the side, [D3] notcompletely vertical to the long axis, when the input unit is notdisposed on one of a top or bottom edge of the terminal, [D4] at leastpartially parallel with the long axis, when the input unit is notdisposed on the top or bottom edge thereof, [D5] not completely parallelwith the long axis, when the input unit is disposed on the top or bottomedge of thereof, [D6] at least partially vertical to the long axis, whenthe input unit is disposed on the front or rear surface or on the side,or [D7] at least partially perpendicular or transverse to a seconddirection from which the input unit acquires other sub-inputs forauthenticating the user or turning on the display unit.

In such a terminal, when at least a portion of the force is applied tothe first sensor by the user along the first direction, the terminal mayacquire at least one (user) sub-input from the force associated with theuser input. In the alternative, when a user contacts or touches adirectional input unit, a terminal may acquire at least one (user)sub-input from a type, a nature, a static feature, or a dynamic featureof a 1^(st) contact which is formed between the first sensor and a userbody part. The user may hold his or her body part steady such that the1^(st) contact does not change its dynamic feature over time.Alternatively, the user may move the user body part in the 1^(st)direction while maintaining the 1^(st) contact, thereby moving the1^(st) contact in the 1^(st) direction as well. In another alternative,a terminal may acquire at least one (user) sub-input from a type, anature, a static feature, or a dynamic feature of a 2^(nd) contact whichmay be formed between the first sensor and at least one non-user object(manipulated by a user). The user may hold the non-user object steady sothat the 2^(nd) contact does not change its dynamic feature over time.Alternatively, the user may move the object along the 1^(st) direction,while maintaining the 2^(nd) contact, thereby moving the 2^(nd) contactin the 1^(st) direction as well.

In this terminal, the force may cause a 1^(st) movement of at least onemovable portion of the 1^(st) sensor, whereby the 1^(st) direction is adirection of the 1^(st) movement. Instead, the user may generate a2^(nd) movement of the user body part with respect to at least onestationary portion of the 1^(st) sensor, where the 2^(nd) direction is adirection of the 2^(nd) movement. Alternatively, the user may generate a3^(rd) movement of the non-user object with respect to at least onestationary portion of the first sensor, where the 3^(rd) direction is adirection of the third movement.

In this terminal, the directional input unit may acquire UI_(ACT) orUI_(THEN), whereby the terminal can run at least one operation ofturning on the display unit or authenticating a user, respectively, inresponse to UI_(ACT) or UI_(TNEN), upon (or after) the terminal switchesfrom the off-state to the on-state in response to the single user input.

In another exemplary aspect, another mobile communication terminalsimilarly includes at least one display unit and switches between theoff-state and on-state as defined above. In one example, the terminalincludes at least one directional input unit which includes a 1^(st)sensor for receiving a force as a single user input applied to the1^(st) sensor by a user in a 1^(st) direction which corresponds to onesuch [D1] to [D7] as described above. In another example, thedirectional input unit includes a 1^(st) sensor for monitoring a contactwith at least one user body part as a single user input. The user thenmoves the body part and, accordingly, a position of the contact alsomoves in a 1^(st) direction which is one of the above [D1] to [D7]. Inanother example, the directional input unit includes a 1^(st) sensor formonitoring a contact with at least one non-user object as the singleuser input, where the user moves the object in a 1st direction and,therefore, the contact also moves in the 1^(st) direction which is oneof the above [D1] to [D7]. Accordingly, upon (or after) receiving thesingle user input in the off-state, the terminal selects at least oneselected operation from a set of multiple pre-selected operations [1]based on or [2] determined by the 1^(st) direction, and runs theselected operation upon (or after) the terminal switches from theoff-state to the on-state in response to the single user input.

In one case, the selected operation may not be the operation of turningon the display unit or authenticating the user. Therefore, the terminalseamlessly runs the selected operation in response to the single userinput and runs the operation of turning on the display unit orauthenticating the user. In another case, one of multiple pre-selectedoperations is selected from a 2^(nd) group which consists of a 1^(st)operation of taking a picture, a 2^(nd) operation of recording a videoclip, a 3^(rd) operation of recording a voice of a user, a voice of anon-user sound or a non-human sound, a 4^(th) operation of connecting toa wireless communication network, a 5^(th) operation of connecting to awebsite, a 6^(th) operation of viewing or sending an email, a 7^(th)operation of making or receiving a phone call, an 8^(th) operation ofviewing or sending a short message, a 9^(th) operation of viewing orsending a message through a SNS, a 10^(th) operation of accessing orretrieving data stored in the terminal or an external device or storingsuch data thereinto, an 11^(th) operation of connecting to an externaldevice, a 12^(th) operation of opening or closing a door of a room, abuilding or an automobile, a 13^(th) operation of turning on or off anengine or a motor of an automobile or other transportation vehicles, ora combination thereof. As a result, the terminal seamlessly runs theselected operation in response to the single user input and also runs anoperation of turning on the display unit or authenticating the user.Alternatively, the terminal may select the operation from the 1^(st)group or a 3^(rd) group of multiple pre-selected operations as has beenexplained above and below.

In such a terminal, the directional input unit acquires UI_(ACT) orUI_(THEN), whereby the terminal runs the operation of turning on thedisplay unit or authenticating the user, respectively, in response toUI_(ACT) and UI_(THEN) upon or (immediately) after the terminal switchesto the on-state in response to the single user input.

In another exemplary aspect, a mobile communication terminal includes atleast one display unit and switches between the off-state and theon-state. The terminal includes at least one directional input unit forreceiving a single user input from a user in the off-state, where thedirectional input unit includes at least one 1^(st) sensor and 2^(nd)sensor, where the 1^(st) sensor acquires UI_(SEL) from the single userinput based on a 1^(st) direction in which the user input is appliedthereto, and where the 2^(nd) sensor acquires UI_(ACT) also from thesingle user input. The terminal acquires UI_(SEL) and runs a selectedoperation which is matched to UI_(SEL) upon or (immediately) after theterminal switches from the off-state to the on-state in response toUI_(ACT), where the selected operation is related to neither turning onthe display unit nor authenticating the user. The selected operation mayinstead be selected from the 1^(st) or 2^(nd) group as described above.Therefore, the terminal seamlessly runs the selected operation [1] inresponse to the single user input and also in response to turning on thedisplay unit or [2] concurrently with turning on a display unit simplyby receiving the single user input.

In another exemplary aspect, a mobile communication terminal includes atleast one display unit and switches between the off-state and theon-state. The terminal includes at least one directional input unit forreceiving a single user input from a user in the off-state. The terminalincludes at least one 1^(st) sensor and at least one 3^(rd) sensor,where the 1^(st) sensor acquires UI_(SEL) from the single user inputbased upon a direction along which the single user input is applied tothe input unit, while the 3^(rd) sensor acquires UI_(THEN) also from thesame single user input. The terminal receives UI_(SEL) and then runs aselected operation matching UI_(SEL) upon or (immediately) after theterminal switches to the on-state in response to UI_(ACT).

In one case, the selected operation is related to neither turning on adisplay unit nor authenticating a user. In another case, the selectedoperation is selected from the 1^(st) or 2^(nd) group as enumeratedabove. Accordingly, the terminal seamlessly runs the selected operationin response to the single user input and authenticating a user in theresponse to the single user input. Alternatively, the terminalseamlessly runs the selected operation concurrently with authenticatingthe user simply by receiving the single user input.

In another exemplary aspect, a mobile communication terminal includes adisplay unit and switches between an off-state and an on-state asdescribed above. A terminal also includes a directional input unit whichreceives a single user input from a user in the off-state and whichincludes a sensor capable of acquiring a 2-D direction of the singleuser input or a 3-D direction thereof from the single user input. Theterminal senses the spatial direction and runs at least one selectedoperation which is matched (or assigned) to the spatial direction upon(or after) switching from the off-state to the on-state, where theselected operation is not related to turning on the display unit or toauthenticating a user, or where the selected operations may be selectedfrom the above 1^(st) or 2^(nd) group.

Therefore, the terminal seamlessly runs the selected operation inresponse to the single user input as well as running at least oneoperation of turning on the display unit or authenticating the user alsoin the response to the single user input. Alternatively, the terminalseamlessly runs the selected operation concurrently with at least oneoperation of turning on the display unit or authenticating the user,simply by receiving the single user input.

In such a terminal, the above direction may be one of a 1^(st) movementdirection, a 2^(nd) movement direction, and a 3^(rd) movement direction,where the 1^(st) movement direction is a movement direction of thesensor in response to the single user input, where the 2^(nd) movementdirection corresponds to a direction of a movement of a body part of auser causing the user input on the sensor, and where the 3^(rd) movementdirection is a direction of movement of a non-user object causing theuser input on the sensor.

In this terminal, the above spatial direction may be one of a 1^(st)movement direction, a 2^(nd) movement direction, and a 3^(rd) movementdirection, where the 1^(st) movement direction is a direction of amovement of a movable portion of the input unit in response to the userinput, where the 2^(nd) movement direction is a movement direction of auser body part causing the user input on a stationary portion of theinput unit, while the 3^(rd) movement direction is a movement directionof a non-user object causing the user input on one of the portions ofthe input unit.

In another exemplary aspect, a mobile communication terminal includes adirectional input unit and a display unit and switches between the off-and on-states as defined above, where the input unit receives a singleuser input in the off-state from a user. The directional input unit alsoincludes a 1^(st) sensor and at least one of a 2^(nd) sensor and a3^(rd) sensor, where the 1^(st) sensor senses a 1^(st) direction of thesingle user input, the 2^(nd) sensor acquires UI_(ACT) also from thesingle user input, and where the 3^(rd) sensor acquires UI_(THEN) alsofrom the single user input. The terminal runs at least one operation ofturning on the display unit or authenticating the user, respectively, inresponse to UI_(ACT) and UI_(THEN). The terminal runs a selectingoperation based upon the 1^(st) direction, and runs the selectedoperation while or (immediately) after the terminal switches from theoff-state to the on-state, where the selected operation is neither theturning on nor authenticating operation. Therefore, the terminal mayseamlessly run the selected operation in response to the single userinput and may also run at least one operation of turning on the displayunit and authenticating the user in response to the single user input aswell.

In such a terminal, the single user input may be a force, a 1^(st)contact, or a 2^(nd) contact, where the force is applied to the 1^(st)sensor by the user in the 1^(st) direction, where the 1^(st) contact isformed between the 1^(st) sensor and at least one user body part, andthe user moves the body part in the 1^(st) direction, thereby alsomoving the 1^(st) contact in the 1^(st) direction, and where the 2^(nd)contact is formed between the 1^(st) sensor and at least one non-userobject, and the user moves the object in the 1^(st) direction, therebymoving the 2^(nd) contact along the 1^(st) direction as well.

In another exemplary aspect, a mobile communication terminal may includeat least one directional input unit, where the terminal includes adisplay unit and switches between the off-state and the on-state, wherethe terminal is in the off-state, and where the input unit receives asingle user input from a user when the terminal is in off-state. Thedirectional input unit includes a 1^(st) sensor and at least one of a2^(nd) sensor and a 3^(rd) sensor, where the 1^(st) sensor acquiresUI_(SEL) from the single user input, where the 2^(nd) sensor acquiresUI_(ACT) from the single user input, while the 3^(rd) sensor acquiresUI_(THEN) also from the single user input. The terminal runs anoperation of turning on the display unit or another operation ofauthenticating the user in response to UI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN),respectively, while or (immediately) after the terminal switches to theon-state. The terminal may select an operation based on UI_(SEL), andmay also run the selected operation while or (immediately) after theterminal switches from the off-state to the on-state. The selectedoperation matches UI_(SEL), and the selected operation is neither theoperation of turning the display unit nor the operation ofauthenticating the user. Accordingly, the terminal seamlessly runs theselected operation in response to the single user input as well as runsone of the operations of turning on the display unit and authenticatingthe user also in response to the single user input.

It is appreciated in the preceding seven exemplary aspects of thisSection that such directional input units or their sensors may sense atleast one static or dynamic feature of various user inputs and that suchunits or sensors may acquire UI_(SEL)'s from at least one of suchfeatures or, alternatively, may acquire at least one of UI_(ACT) orUI_(THEN) from at least one of such features. Examples of such static ordynamic features of various user inputs have been described hereinaboveand will be provided hereinafter. In addition, various terminals mayinclude (software) elements which can run various operations for drivingvarious (hardware) elements of the terminal to perform various tasks ashave been explained.

It is also appreciated in the preceding seven exemplary aspects of thisSection that various terminals including the directional input units mayrun a selecting operation, along with at least one of an activationoperation and an authentication operation when the terminal receives asingle user input or multiple concurrent user inputs while the terminalis (or has been) in its powered-off state. In this aspect, variousterminals of the above seven exemplary aspects may be modified accordingthereto. In addition, other terminals to be provided below in thisSection may run a selecting operation, along with at least one of anactivation operation and an authentication operation as well, when theterminal receives the single user input or multiple concurrent userinputs while the terminal is (or has been) in its powered-off state.

In another exemplary aspect, a mobile communication terminal includes adisplay unit and switches between the off-state and the on-state. Theterminal also includes at least one directional input unit which cansense a 1^(st) direction and a 2^(nd) direction from a single user inputwhich a user provides to the input unit by manipulating at least aportion of the input unit in the off-state. In general, the 1^(st)direction is different from the 2^(nd) direction. In one case, the inputunit concurrently acquires the 1^(st) and 2^(nd) sub-inputs from the1^(st) and 2^(nd) directions, respectively. In another case, the inputunit concurrently and respectively acquires the 1^(st) and 2^(nd)sub-inputs from the 1^(st) and 2^(nd) directions. In either of suchcases, the terminal runs different operations in response to thedifferent sub-inputs while or (immediately) after switching to theon-state or switching to a new mode.

In this terminal, the user may perform such manipulating, e.g., byconcurrently moving the portion of the input unit in the 1^(st) and2^(nd) directions, where the 2^(nd) direction may be perpendicular ortransverse to the 1^(st) direction. In the alternative, one of suchdirections may be straight but another may be curved, or the like.

Alternatively and in such a terminal, the user may perform suchmanipulating, e.g., by contacting or touching the portion the input unitwith at least one user body part or non-user object along the 2^(nd)direction and by concurrently moving a position of such contacting ortouching in the 1^(st) direction. The 1^(st) direction may be parallelwith or transverse to a surface of the portion of the input unit.

In such a terminal, a user may provide the user input using a user bodypart (or a non-user object). In response to the 2^(nd) sub-input, theterminal may run an operation of authenticating a user based on 1^(st)user information or run another operation of turning on the displayunit. In response to the 1^(st) sub-input, the terminal may run at leastone selected operation which is selected from a 3^(rd) group of multiplepre-selected operations which include, e.g., an operation of loading acamera, an operation of loading a video camera, an operation of viewinga picture, an operation of playing a video clip, an operation of loadinga sound recorder, an operation of playing a sound, an operation ofconnecting to one of a wired communication network and a wirelesscommunication network, an operation of connecting to a website, anoperation of viewing, editing, writing, sending, deleting or storingemails, an operation of making or receiving a phone call, an operationof composing, viewing, editing, sending, deleting or storing shortmessages, an operation of composing, viewing, editing, sending,responding, deleting, or storing a message in a SNS, an operation ofaccessing or retrieving data stored an external device, an operation ofstoring data into the external device or the terminal, an operation ofconnecting to the external device, an operation of accessing a phonebook or an address book, an operation of loading a dictionary or ascheduler, an operation of loading a navigator, an operation of sendingemergency messages, an operation of connecting to an IoT network, anoperation of unlocking, opening, closing or locking a door (or a window)of an automobile (or a building), an operation of authenticating a userbased on a second user information which is different from the firstuser information, an operation of advancing to a certain mode operation,a combination thereof, or the like.

It is appreciated that the above “1^(st) direction” may be replaced by a1^(st) static (or dynamic) feature which may be related to suchmanipulating. The above “2^(nd) direction” may be replaced by a 2^(nd)static (or dynamic) feature of such manipulating as well. In addition,the terminal may include software elements which can run variousoperations for driving various hardware elements of the terminal toperform various tasks as explained in this aspect.

In another exemplary aspect, a mobile communication terminal includes adisplay unit and switches between the off-state and the on-state, wheresuch a unit and such states are identical to those defined above. Theterminal also includes at least one directional input unit whichacquires a 1^(st) sub-input and a 2^(nd) sub-input when a user providesa single user input thereto by moving at least one portion of the inputunit in the off-state. In one case, the input unit may monitor a 1^(st)direction of the single user input, and acquire a 1^(st) sub-input fromthe 1^(st) direction, whereas the input unit may sense a 2^(nd)direction of the user input and acquire a 2^(nd) sub-input from the2^(nd) direction of the single user input concurrently with acquiringthe 1^(st) sub-input. In another case, the input unit may sense a 2^(nd)direction of the user input concurrently with sensing the 1^(st)direction and acquire a 2^(nd) sub-input from the 2^(nd) direction. Ineither of such cases, the 1^(st) and 2^(nd) directions are differentfrom each other, and the terminal runs different operations in responseto the different sub-inputs while or (immediately) after switching tothe on-state or to a new mode.

It is appreciated that the “1^(st) direction” may be replaced by a1^(st) static (or dynamic) feature of such moving and that the “2^(nd)direction” may also be replaced by a 2^(nd) static (or dynamic) featureof such moving. The terminal may include various software elements whichcan run various operations in order to drive various hardware elementsof the terminal to perform various tasks as have been explained in thisaspect.

In another exemplary aspect, a mobile communication terminal includes adisplay unit and switches between the off-state and the on-state, wheresuch a unit and such states are identical to those defined above. Thedirectional input unit acquires a 1^(st) sub-input and a 2^(nd)sub-input when a user provides a single user input to the input unit bymoving at least a portion of the input unit in the off-state. In onecase, the input unit concurrently senses a 1^(st) direction as well as a2^(nd) different direction from the single user input, thereby acquiringthe 1^(st) and 2^(nd) sub-inputs from the 1^(st) and 2^(nd) directions,respectively. In another case, the input unit senses a 1^(st) directionand a 2^(nd) different direction from the single user input, therebyacquiring the 1st and 2^(nd) sub-inputs concurrently and respectivelyfrom the 1^(st) and 2^(nd) directions. In both of such cases, theterminal runs different operations in response to the differentsub-inputs while or (immediately) after switching to the on-state or toa new mode.

In such a terminal, the 2^(nd) direction may be perpendicular ortransverse to the 1^(st) direction. One of the directions may bestraight but another of the directions may be curved. The user mayprovide the user input by a user body part (or a non-user object). Inresponse to the 2^(nd) sub-input, the terminal may run an authenticationoperation or a turning on operation. In response to the 1^(st)sub-input, the terminal may run at least one of such pre-selectedoperations of the above 1^(st) 2^(nd) or 3^(rd) group.

It is appreciated that the “1^(st) direction” may be replaced by a1^(st) static (or dynamic) feature of such moving and that the “2^(nd)direction” may also be replaced by a 2^(nd) static (or dynamic) featureof such moving. The terminal may include various software elements whichcan run various operations to drive various hardware elements of theterminal to perform various tasks as have been explained in this aspect.

In another exemplary aspect, a mobile communication terminal includes adisplay unit and switches between the off-state and the on-state, wheresuch a unit and such states are identical to those defined above. Thedirectional input unit acquires a 2^(nd) sub-input when a user providesa single user input thereto by contacting at least one portion of theinput unit in the off-state. In one case, the input unit senses a 1^(st)direction of moving a position of such contacting caused by the userconcurrently with the contacting, and acquires a 1^(st) sub-input fromthe 1^(st) direction. In another case, the input unit instead senses a1^(st) direction of moving the position of such contacting caused by theuser, and then acquires a 1^(st) sub-input from the 1^(st) directionconcurrently with acquiring the 2^(nd) sub-input. The terminal runsdifferent operations in response to such contacting and the 1^(st)sub-inputs while or (immediately) after switching to the on-state or toa new mode.

In such a terminal, the 1^(st) direction may be parallel with ortransverse to a surface of the portion of the input unit. The user mayprovide the user input with a user body part (or a non-user object). Inresponse to such contacting, the terminal runs at least one of anoperation of authenticating the user and turning on the display unit. Inresponse to the 1^(st) sub-input, the terminal may also run at least oneof various pre-selected operations which belong to the above 1^(st),2^(nd) or 3^(rd) group.

It is appreciated that the “1^(st) direction” may be replaced by a1^(st) static (or dynamic) feature of such moving and that the “2^(nd)direction” may be replaced by a 2^(nd) static (or dynamic) feature ofsuch contacting. In addition, the terminal may include software elementswhich run various operations for driving various hardware elements ofthe terminal to perform various tasks as have been explained in thisaspect.

In another exemplary aspect, a mobile communication terminal includes adisplay unit and switches between the off-state and the on-state, wheresuch a unit and such states are identical to those defined above. Thedirectional input unit is substantially flush with a surface or a sideof the terminal, and acquires a 1^(st) sub-input and a 2^(nd) sub-inputwhen a user provides a single user input to the input unit bymanipulating at least one portion of the input unit in the off-state. Inone case, the input unit may sense a 1^(st) direction and a 2^(nd)direction concurrently with each other, where the 1^(st) direction formsa 1^(st) angle with the surface or side, where the 2^(nd) directionforms a 2^(nd) angle with the surface or side, while the 2^(nd) angle isdifferent from the 1^(st) angle. Therefore, the terminal acquires the1^(st) and 2^(nd) sub-inputs from the 1^(st) and 2^(nd) directions,respectively. In another case, the input unit may sense a 1^(st)direction which forms a 1^(st) angle with the surface or the side and a2^(nd) direction which forms a 2^(nd) and different angle with thesurface or the side from the user input, thereby acquiring the 1^(st)and 2^(nd) sub-inputs concurrently and respectively from the 1^(st) and2^(nd) directions. In either of such cases, the terminal runs differentoperations in response to such different sub-inputs while or(immediately) after switching to the on-state or to a new mode.

In such a terminal, the surface may be a front surface or a rearsurface, while the side may include a top side, a bottom side, a leftside, a right side, or the like. The user may perform such manipulatingby moving such a portion in the 1^(st) and 2^(nd) directionsconcurrently or sequentially. The 2^(nd) direction may be perpendicularor transverse to the 1^(st) direction. Alternatively, one of suchdirections may be straight, whereas another may be curved. The user mayperform such manipulating by contacting the portion of the input unitwith a user body part (or a non-user object) in the 2^(nd) direction andby moving a position of such contacting in the 1^(st) directionconcurrently with such contacting. The user may also provide the userinput with a user body part (or a non-user object).

In response to the 2^(nd) sub-input, the terminal runs at least one ofan operation of authenticating the user and another operation turning onthe display unit. In response to the 1^(st) sub-input, the terminal alsoruns at least one operation which belongs to the above 1^(st), 2^(nd) or3^(rd) groups of multiple pre-selected operations.

It is noted that the above “1^(st) direction” may be replaced by a1^(st) static (or dynamic) feature of such manipulating. The above“2^(nd) direction” may also be replaced by a 2^(nd) static (or dynamic)feature of such manipulating. In addition, the terminal may includesoftware elements capable of running various operations for drivingvarious hardware elements of the terminal to perform various tasks ashave been explained in this aspect.

In another exemplary aspect, a mobile communication terminal includes adisplay unit and switches between the off-state and the on-state, wheresuch a unit and such states are identical to those defined above. Thedirectional input unit is substantially flush with the above surface orside of the terminal, and acquires a 1^(st) sub-input and a 2^(nd)sub-input when a user provides a single user input to the input unit bypressing at least one portion of the input unit in the off-state. In onecase, the input unit concurrently senses a 1^(st) direction which is atleast partly parallel with the surface or side, and a 2^(nd) directionwhich is substantially vertical to the surface or the side and, thus, isdifferent from the 1^(st) direction, thereby acquiring the 1^(st) and2^(nd) sub-inputs, respectively, from the 1^(st) and 2^(nd) directions.In another case, the input unit senses a 1^(st) direction which is atleast partly parallel with the surface or side and a 2^(nd) directionwhich is at least partly vertical to the surface or side and, therefore,is different from the 1^(st) direction, thereby acquiring such 1^(st)and 2^(nd) sub-inputs concurrently and respectively from the 1^(st) and2^(nd) directions. In either of such cases, the terminal runs differentoperations in response to such different sub-inputs while or(immediately) after switching to the on-state or to a new mode.

In such a terminal, the surface and side are similar or identical tothose of the previous exemplary aspect. The 2^(nd) direction may beperpendicular or transverse to the 1^(st) direction. One of suchdirections may be straight, while another of such directions may becurved. The user may provide the single user input with a user body part(or a non-user object). In response to the 2^(nd) sub-input, theterminal may run at least one authentication operation or a turning onoperation. In response to the 1^(st) sub-input, the terminal may run atleast one selected operation which is selected from various pre-selectedoperations of the above 1^(st), 2^(nd) or 3^(rd) group.

It is appreciated that the “1^(st) direction” may be replaced by a1^(st) static or dynamic feature of such pressing and that the “2^(nd)direction” may be replaced by a 2^(nd) static or dynamic feature of suchpressing. The terminal may include software elements which can runvarious operations in order to drive various hardware elements of theterminal to perform various tasks as have been explained in this aspect.

In another exemplary aspect, a mobile communication terminal includes adisplay unit and switches between the off-state and the on-state, wheresuch a unit and such states are identical to those defined above. Thedirectional input unit is substantially flush with the above surface orside of the terminal, and acquires a 1^(st) sub-input and a 2^(nd)sub-input when a user provides a single user input to the input unit inthe off-state, e.g., by contacting at least one portion of the inputunit with a user body part (or a non-user object) and moving a positionof such contacting on or over the input unit. In one case, the inputunit senses a 1^(st) direction of such moving which forms a 1^(st) anglewith the surface or the side and concurrently senses such contacting,thereby acquiring the 1^(st) and 2^(nd) sub-inputs from the 1^(st)direction and such contacting, respectively. In another case, the inputunit senses a 1^(st) direction of such moving which forms a 1^(st) anglewith the surface or side and senses such contacting, thereby acquiringthe 1^(st) sub-input and 2^(nd) sub-input concurrently and respectivelyfrom the 1^(st) direction and such contacting. In either case, theterminal runs different operations in response to such differentsub-inputs while or (immediately) after switching to the on-state or toa new mode.

In such a terminal, the surface or the side are similar or identical tothose of the preceding exemplary aspect. The 1^(st) direction may be atleast partly parallel with the top surface of the input unit on whichthe user forms such contacting and moves the position thereof. Inresponse to the 2^(nd) sub-input, the terminal may run at least oneoperation of authenticating the user and turning on the display unit. Inaddition, in response to the 1^(st) sub-input, the terminal runs atleast one selected operation which is selected from multiplepre-selected operations examples of which are identical to those of the1^(st), 2^(nd) or 3^(rd) group as explained above.

It is appreciated that the “1^(st) direction” may be replaced by a1^(st) static or dynamic feature of such moving and that the “2^(nd)direction” may be replaced by a 2^(nd) static or dynamic feature of suchcontacting. The terminal may include various software elements which canrun various operations for driving various hardware elements of theterminal to perform various tasks as have been explained in this aspect.

In another exemplary aspect, a mobile communication terminal may definea top surface, a rear surface, and multiple side surfaces formed betweenthe top surface and rear surface, and include at least one display unitwhich in turn has a screen disposed on the top surface. The terminalincludes at least one directional input unit which is disposed on one ofthe above surfaces, where the input unit receives a single user inputfrom a user in an off-state, when the user provides the user input bymoving at least a portion of the input unit in both of a 1^(st)direction and a 2^(nd) direction which is different from the 1^(st)direction, where the input unit concurrently acquires such 1^(st) and2^(nd) directions from the user input, where the terminal runs, basedupon the 2^(nd) direction, at least one default operation which is oneof an authentication operation and an activation operation, and wherethe terminal also runs, based upon the 1^(st) direction, at least oneselected operation which is different from the default operation andwhich is selected from multiple pre-selected operations. As a result,the terminal provides seamless operations of running the defaultoperation as well as running the selected operation in response to thesingle user input, without requiring an additional user input.

In such a terminal, the 1^(st) and 2^(nd) directions may be at leastpartly perpendicular to each other. Such moving may include pressing,pushing, translating, sliding, swiveling, pivoting, rotating, ordeforming. When the input unit is disposed on the top surface, the2^(nd) direction is at least partially perpendicular to the top surfaceand, therefore, the 1^(st) direction is at least partially parallel withthe top surface. When the input unit is disposed on the rear surface ofthe terminal, the 2^(nd) direction is at least partially perpendicularto the rear surface, and the 1^(st) direction is at least partiallyparallel with the rear surface. When the input unit is disposed on aleft side surface or a right side-surface of the terminal, the 2^(nd)direction is at least partially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis ofthe terminal, and the 1^(st) direction is at least partially parallelwith the longitudinal axis. When the input unit is disposed on a topside surface or a bottom side surface thereof, the 2^(nd) direction isat least partially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the terminal,and the 1^(st) direction is at least partially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis.

In this terminal, the input unit may include a stationary element and apress-ID element. The stationary element does not move in response tothe single user input, but the press-ID element may move toward thestationary element in the 1^(st) direction in response to the singleuser input and forms an electrical connection or an optical connectionwith the stationary element. The terminal identifies the selectedoperation based on a position of one of such connections.

Such a terminal may also run the selected operation concurrently withrunning the default operation described above, running the selectedoperation after starting to run the default operation but beforecompleting to run the default operation, or running the defaultoperation first and followed by running the selected operation. The usermay move the portion of the input unit with a body part of the user or anon-user object.

In another exemplary aspect, a mobile communication terminal includes adisplay unit and switches between the off-state and the on-state. Theterminal may include at least one directional input unit capable ofreceiving a single user input in the off-state from a user, where theuser may provide the single user input by moving at least one portion ofthe input unit. The input unit concurrently acquires a 1^(st) directionand a 2^(nd) direction of such moving, where the 1^(st) direction isdifferent from and at least partially transverse to the 2^(nd)direction. The terminal runs, in response to the 2^(nd) direction, atleast one default operation which includes at least one of an activationoperation and an authentication operation using a 1^(st) userinformation. The terminal also runs, in response to the 1^(st)direction, at least one selected operation which is different from thedefault operation. As a result, the terminal can run both of the defaultoperation and the selected operation in response to the single userinput, without requiring an additional user input.

In another exemplary aspect, a mobile communication terminal includes adisplay unit with a screen, and at least one directional input unitwhich receives a single user input from a user in the off-state, andwhen a user provides the single user input by contacting at least aportion of the input unit with a body part of the user or with anon-user object and also by changing a position of the contacting in a1^(st) curvilinear direction and along a 1^(st) curvilinear path. Theinput unit concurrently acquires such contacting and one of the 1^(st)direction and 1^(st) path from the single user input. The terminal runs,based up such contacting, a default operation which is at least one ofan activation operation and an authentication operation. The terminalalso runs, based on one of the 1^(st) direction and 1^(st) path, atleast one selected operation which is different from the defaultoperation and which is selected from multiple pre-selected operations.As a result, the terminal provides seamless operations of running thedefault operation as well as the selected operation in response to thesingle user input, seamlessly, i.e., without requiring an additionaluser input.

In this terminal, the input unit defines an exposed top surface, wherethe 1^(st) direction and 1^(st) path are defined on the top surface. The1^(st) path may be a straight line, a plurality of straight lines, acurve, and a combination thereof. The input unit may include a touchscreen-type input unit. The terminal may perform one of running theselected operation concurrently with running the default operation,running the selected operation after starting to run the defaultoperation but before finishing to run the default operation, or runningthe default operation followed by running the selected operation.

In another exemplary aspect, a mobile communication terminal includes adisplay unit and switches between the off-state and on-state, andincludes a top surface, a rear surface, and multiple side surfaces. Theterminal also includes at least one input unit which may be disposed atleast partially flush with one of such surfaces and which may receive asingle user input in the off-state when a user provides the input unitwith the single user input by contacting at least one portion of theinput unit with an applicator which is a user body part or a non-userobject and by changing a position of such contacting by moving theapplicator while maintaining such contacting. The input unitconcurrently acquires a 1^(st) sub-input from such changing as well as a2^(nd) sub-input from such contacting. In response to the 2^(nd)sub-input, the terminal runs an authentication operation using a 1^(st)user information and at least one of an activation operation. Inresponse to the 1^(st) sub-input, the terminal runs at least oneselected operation which is neither the activation operation not theauthentication operation. As a result, the terminal can run multipleoperations in response to the single user input, without requiring anadditional user input from the user.

In such a terminal, the 1^(st) direction may be at least partiallyparallel with one of such surfaces. The input unit may include a touchscreen-type input unit capable of sensing the 1^(st) direction.

In another exemplary aspect, a mobile communication terminal includes adisplay unit and switches between the off-state and the on-state. Theterminal may include at least one input unit capable of receiving asingle user input in the off-state when a user provides the user inputby manipulating at least one portion of the input unit. The input unitmay sense a 1^(st) direction as well as a 2^(nd) direction of the userinput and may concurrently acquire a 1^(st) sub-input as well as a2^(nd) sub-input based upon the 1^(st) and 2^(nd) directions,respectively, where the 1^(st) direction is different from the 2^(nd)direction and may be at least partially transverse to the 2^(nd)direction. In response to the 2^(nd) sub-input, the terminal may run atleast one of an authentication operation using 1^(st) user informationand an activation operation. In response to the 1^(st) sub-input, theterminal runs at least one selected operation, where the selectedoperation is neither the activation operation not the authenticationoperation. As a result, the terminal is capable of running multipledifferent operations in response to the single user input, withoutrequiring an additional user input.

In such a terminal, the user performs such manipulating by moving theportion of the directional input unit in the 1^(st) and 2^(nd)directions, where the moving includes at least one of pressing, pushing,sliding, swiveling, translating, pivoting, and rotating. The 2^(nd)direction is perpendicular to the 1^(st) direction or one of thedirections may be straight, while another direction may be curved. Whenthe 1^(st) sub-input is the 1^(st) direction, the input unit may includea stationary element and a press-ID element, where the stationaryelement does not move in response to the single user input, while thepress-ID element moves in response to the single user input toward thestationary element in the 1^(st) direction until the press-ID elementforms electrical or optical connections with the stationary element. Theterminal then identifies the selected operation from multiplepre-selected operations based upon a position of the connection and runsthe selected operation while or (immediately) after the terminalswitches to the on-state or to a new mode. The user may perform suchmanipulating by contacting the portion with a user body part (or anon-user object) and concurrently moving a position of the contacting inthe 1^(st) direction. The input unit may include a touch screen-typeinput unit capable of sensing the 1^(st) direction.

In all of the preceding exemplary aspects of this Section, a terminalmay run at least one selected operation which is selected from multiplepre-selected operations examples of which are identical or similar tothose of the 1^(st), 2^(nd) or 3^(rd) group as explained above. It isappreciated that the “1^(st) direction” may be replaced by a 1^(st)static or dynamic feature of such pressing, moving or manipulating, andthat the “2^(nd) direction” may be replaced by a 2^(nd) static ordynamic feature of such contacting. The terminal may further includesoftware elements which can run various operations for driving varioushardware elements of the terminal to perform various tasks as have beenexplained in this aspect.

In another exemplary aspect, a method is provided for running at leastone default operation and at least one selected operation using a mobilecommunication terminal while or (immediately) after the terminalswitches to the on-state or to a new mode, where the terminal includesat least one display unit. The method includes the steps of receiving asingle user input from a user; concurrently sensing a 1^(st) directionand a 2^(nd) direction of the user input, where the 1^(st) and 2^(nd)directions are different from each other; acquiring a 1^(st) sub-inputand a 2^(nd) sub-input from the 1^(st) direction and 2^(nd) direction,respectively; running the default operation based upon the 2^(nd)sub-input during or (immediately) after such switching, where thedefault operation is at least one of an operation of turning on thedisplay unit and an operation of authenticating a user based on 1^(st)user information; and running the selected operation based on the 1^(st)sub-input during or (immediately) after such switching, where theselected operation is different from the default operation and isselected from one of the 1^(st), 2^(nd) or 3^(rd) group of multiplepre-selected operations as described above. It is appreciated that suchconcurrent sensing and such acquiring may also be replaced by the stepsof sensing a 1^(st) direction and a 2^(nd) direction of the user input,where the 1^(st) and 2^(nd) directions are different from each other;and concurrently acquiring the 1^(st) and 2^(nd) sub-inputs from the1^(st) and 2^(nd) directions, respectively;

The method may also include one of the steps of running the defaultoperation concurrently with the selected operation; and running thedefault operation and then running the selected operation. The methodmay further include one of the steps of displaying results obtained fromrunning the selected operation on the display unit; and displaying suchresults on the display unit only when the user passes theauthenticating.

The running the default operation may include one of the steps of:running the turning on operation concurrently with running theauthentication operation; running the authentication operation andthereafter running the turning on operation; and running theauthentication operation and thereafter running the turning on operationonly when the user passes the authenticating. The running the defaultoperation may also include at least one of the steps of: displaying alock screen before the terminal finishes to run the authenticationoperation; keeping displaying the lock screen when the user fails theauthenticating; and replacing the lock screen with an unlock screen whenthe user passes the authenticating. In addition, the running the defaultoperation may include at least one of the steps of: keeping the displayunit turned off before the terminal finishes to run the authenticationoperation; displaying an unlock screen when the user passes theauthentication operation; keeping the display unit still turned off whenthe user fails the authenticating; and displaying a lock screen when theuser fails the authenticating but when the user keeps providing the userinput for a period longer than a threshold period.

The sensing the 1^(st) and 2^(nd) directions may include the steps of:treating the user input as a vector; decomposing the user input vectorinto two vector components; acquiring at least one feature of one of thecomponents as the 1^(st) direction; and acquiring at least one featureof another of the components as the 2^(nd) direction, where the featuremay be a direction defined in a 2-D plane or in a 3-D space, amagnitude, a velocity, an acceleration, or a temporal length.

Such decomposing may include the step of: denoting the vector as a sumof two vector components in one of a Cartesian coordinate system, acylindrical or spherical coordinate system, and another orthogonalcoordinate system. The acquiring the 1^(st) and 2^(nd) directions mayinclude one of the steps of: selecting the 1^(st) direction to betransverse (or perpendicular) to the 2^(nd) direction; and selecting oneof the 1^(st) and 2^(nd) directions to be straight, while selectinganother of such directions to be curved. The method may also include atleast one of the steps of: sending a user a notice signal whichrepresents the 1^(st) signal acquired by the terminal; and sending auser another notice signal representing the selected operation.

In another exemplary aspect, a method is provided for running thedefault and selected operations using the terminal while or(immediately) after switching of the terminal from the off-state to theon-state or after switching from a current mode to a new mode, where theterminal also includes at least one display unit and input unit. Themethod may include one of the steps of: sensing pressing of a portion ofthe input unit by a user; and sensing moving of a portion of the inputunit caused by a user input. The method also includes the steps of:acquiring at least one 1^(st) feature of such pressing (or moving) in a1^(st) direction; also acquiring at least one 2^(nd) feature of suchpressing (or moving) in a 2^(nd) direction concurrently with theacquiring the 1^(st) feature, where the 2^(nd) direction is differentfrom the 1^(st) direction; running the default operation based upon the2^(nd) feature while or (immediately) after such switching, where thedefault operation may be one of a turning on operation and anauthentication operation based upon 1^(st) user information; and runningthe selected operation based on the 1^(st) feature while or(immediately) after such switching, where the selected operation isdifferent from the default operation and where the selected operation isselected from one of the 1^(st), 2^(nd) or 3^(rd) group of multiplepre-selected operations as defined above.

In this method, such acquiring the feature may include at least one ofthe steps of: acquiring a force causing such pressing (or moving);acquiring a velocity of the portion caused by such pressing (or moving);acquiring a momentum of the portion caused by such pressing (or moving);acquiring an acceleration of such a portion caused by such pressing (ormoving); a displacement of the portion caused by such pressing (ormoving); acquiring a magnitude of one of such a force, velocity,momentum, acceleration, or displacement; acquiring a direction of one ofthe force, velocity, momentum, acceleration, and displacement; andacquiring a temporal duration of one of the force, velocity, momentum,acceleration, and displacement.

In this method, the acquiring the 1^(st) and 2^(nd) directions mayinclude one of the steps of: selecting the 1^(st) direction to betransverse or perpendicular to the 2^(nd) direction; and selecting oneof the directions to be straight, while selecting another of thedirections to be curved. Such acquiring the 1^(st) and 2^(nd) directionsmay include the step of: selecting two orthogonal directions from aCartesian coordinate system, a cylindrical coordinate system or aspherical coordinate system as the 1^(st) and 2^(nd) directions.

The method may further include one of the steps of: running the defaultoperation concurrently with the selected operation; and running thedefault operation and then running the selected operation. The methodmay further include one of the steps of: displaying results obtainedfrom running the selected operation on the display unit; and displayingsuch results on the display unit only when the user passes theauthenticating. The method may further include at least one of the stepsof: sending a user a notice signal representing the 1^(st) signalacquired by the terminal; and sending a user another notice signalrepresenting the selected operation.

In such a method, such running the default operation may include one ofthe steps of: running the turning on operation concurrently with runningthe authentication operation; running the authentication operation andthereafter running the turning on operation; and running theauthentication operation and thereafter running the turning on operationonly when the user passes the authenticating. Such running the defaultoperation may include at least one of the steps of: displaying a lockscreen before a terminal finishes to run the authentication operation;keeping displaying the lock screen when the user fails theauthenticating; and replacing the lock screen with an unlock screen whenthe user passes the authenticating. Such running the default operationmay also include at least one of the steps of: keeping the display unitturned off before the terminal finishes to run the authenticationoperation; displaying an unlock screen when the user passes theauthenticating; keeping the display unit turned off when the user failsthe authenticating; and displaying a lock screen when the user fails theauthenticating but when the user keeps providing such a user input for aperiod longer than a threshold period.

In another exemplary aspect, a method is provided for running defaultand selected operations using a terminal while or (immediately) afterthe terminal switches to the on-state or to a new mode as defined above,where the terminal also includes at least one display unit and inputunit. The method may include the steps of: sensing contacting between aportion of the input unit and a user body part (or a non-user object);acquiring at least one 2^(nd) feature of such contacting; acquiring atleast one 1^(st) feature related to moving positions of such contactingconcurrently with such acquiring the 2^(nd) feature; running the defaultoperation based upon the 2^(nd) feature during or (immediately) afterthe switching, where the default operation is one of a turning onoperation and an authentication operation based on 1^(st) userinformation; and running the selected operation based upon the 1^(st)feature during or (immediately) after such switching, where the selectedoperation is different from the default operation and is selected fromthe 1^(st), 2^(nd) or 3^(rd) group of multiple pre-selected operationsas described above.

In this method, such acquiring the feature may include at least one ofthe steps of: acquiring a force related to such contacting (or moving);acquiring a velocity of such moving; acquiring an acceleration of suchmoving; acquiring a displacement caused by such moving; acquiring amagnitude of such force, velocity, acceleration, or displacement;acquiring a direction of such force, velocity, acceleration, ordisplacement; and acquiring a temporal duration of one of the force,velocity, acceleration, and displacement.

Such a method may include one of the steps of: running the defaultoperation concurrently with the selected operation; and running thedefault operation and then running the selected operation. The methodmay further include one of the steps of: displaying results obtainedfrom running the selected operation on the display unit; and displayingsuch results on the display unit only when the user passes theauthenticating. The method may further include at least one of the stepsof: sending a user a notice signal representing the first signalacquired by the terminal; and sending a user another notice signalrepresenting the selected operation.

In such a method, such running the default operation may include one ofthe steps of: running the turning on operation concurrently with runningthe authentication operation; running the authentication operation andthereafter running the turning on operation; and running theauthentication operation and thereafter running the turning on operationonly when the user passes the authenticating. Such running the defaultoperation may include at least one of the steps of: displaying a lockscreen before a terminal finishes to run the authentication operation;keeping displaying the lock screen when the user fails theauthenticating; and replacing the lock screen with an unlock screen whenthe user passes the authenticating. Such running the default operationmay include at least one of the steps of: keeping the display unitturned off before the terminal finishes to run the authenticationoperation; displaying an unlock screen when the user passes theauthenticating; keeping the display unit turned off when the user failsthe authenticating; and displaying a lock screen when the user fails theauthenticating but when the user keeps providing the user input for aperiod longer than a threshold period.

In another exemplary aspect, a method is provided for running thedefault operation as well as the selected operation using the mobilecommunication terminal which includes the display unit and the inputunit. Such a method includes the steps of: keeping the terminal in theoff-state; receiving a single user input applied to at least a portionof the input unit during such keeping; sensing the user input moving theportion of the input unit; acquiring at least one 1^(st) feature of suchmoving by sensing the 1^(st) feature in a 1^(st) direction; concurrentlyacquiring at least one 2^(nd) feature of such moving by sensing the2^(nd) feature in a 2^(nd) direction, where the 2^(nd) direction isdifferent from the 1^(st) direction; running the default operation inresponse to the 2^(nd) feature, where the default operation includes atleast one of a turning on operation and authentication operation; andrunning the selected operation in response to the 1^(st) feature, wherethe selected operation is not the default operation. As a result, theterminal provides the user with seamless operations of running thedefault operation as well as the selected operation in response to thesingle user input, seamlessly, i.e., without requiring an additionaluser input.

Such a method may further include one of the steps of: displayingresults on the display unit after running the selected operation; anddisplaying the results on the display unit only when the user passessuch authenticating, or the like.

In such a method, such acquiring the features may include the step of:acquiring a force associated with such moving, a velocity or a momentumof such moving, an acceleration of such moving, a displacement caused bysuch moving, a magnitude of the force, velocity, acceleration, ordisplacement, a 2-D or 3-D direction of the force, velocity,acceleration, or displacement, or a temporal duration, velocity,acceleration, or displacement. In such a method, such acquiring in suchdirections may include one of the steps of: setting the 1^(st) directionto be at least partially perpendicular or transverse to the 2^(nd)direction, setting one of the 1^(st) and 2^(nd) directions to bestraight or linear but another of the directions to be curved, settingthe 1^(st) direction to be at least partially parallel or lateral with afront (or rear) surface of the display unit, setting the 2^(nd)direction to be at least partially perpendicular or transverse to thefront (or rear) surface, setting the 1^(st) direction to be at leastpartially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the display unit, orsetting the 2^(nd) direction to be at least partially perpendicular tothe longitudinal axis, or the like. In this method, such moving mayinclude at least one of the steps of: translating the portion of theinput unit in the 1^(st) direction; pivoting the portion of the inputunit in the 1^(st) direction; and rotating the portion of the input unitin the 1^(st) direction.

In another exemplary aspect, a method is provided for running at leastone selected operation using a mobile communication terminal includingthe display unit and the input unit, where the selected operation isneither an activation operation nor an authentication operation. Themethod may include the steps of: keeping the terminal in the off-state;receiving a single user input applied to at least a portion of the inputunit by a user body part (or a non-user object) during such keeping;sensing a movement of the portion in response to the user input;acquiring at least one 1^(st) feature of the movement sensed in a 1^(st)direction; selecting the selected operation from a set of multiplepre-selected operations based on the 1^(st) feature; running theselected operation; and then displaying results on the display unitafter running the selected operation, whereby such a terminal provides aseamless operation of running the selected operation in response to thesingle user input, without requiring an additional user input anadditional user input. In such a method, such running the selectedoperation includes the step of: running at least one operation from the1^(st), 2^(nd) or 3^(rd) group of multiple pre-selected operations asdescribed above.

In another exemplary aspect, a method is provided for running at leastone selected operation using a mobile communication terminal includingthe display unit and the input unit, where the selected operation isneither an activation operation nor an authentication operation. Themethod may include the steps of: keeping the terminal in the off-state;receiving a single user input applied to at least a portion of the inputunit by at least one applicator which is a user body part (or a non-userobject) during such keeping; sensing a contact between the portion andthe above applicator in response to the user input; acquiring at leastone 1^(st) feature from a movement of the applicator on the input unitsensed in a 1^(st) direction; selecting the selected operation from aset of multiple pre-selected operations based on the 1^(st) feature;running the selected operation; and displaying results on the displayunit after running the selected operation, whereby the terminal providesa seamless operation of running the selected operation in response tothe single user input and without having to require an additional userinput. In this method, such running the selected operation includes thestep of: running at least one operation from the 1^(st), 2^(nd) or3^(rd) group of multiple pre-selected operations as described above.

In another exemplary aspect, a method is provided for running at leastone selected operation using a mobile communication terminal includingthe display unit and the input unit, where the selected operation isneither an activation operation nor an authentication operation based on1^(st) user information. The method may include the steps of: keepingthe terminal in the off-state; receiving a single user input applied toat least a portion of the input unit by a user body part (or a non-userobject) during such keeping; acquiring the 1^(st) information from theuser input; sensing a movement of the portion in response to the userinput; acquiring at least one 1^(st) feature of the movement sensed in a1^(st) direction concurrently with such acquiring the 1^(st) userinformation; running the authentication operation in response to the1^(st) user information; running the selected operation in response tothe 1^(st) feature; and displaying results on the display unit afterrunning the selected operation, whereby the terminal provides seamlessoperations of running the authentication operation and running theselected operation in response to the single user input and seamlessly,i.e., without requiring an additional user input. In this method, suchrunning the selected operation includes the step: of running at leastone operation from the 1^(st), 2^(nd) or 3^(rd) group of multiplepre-selected operations as described above.

In another exemplary aspect, a method is provided for running at leastone selected operation using a mobile communication terminal includingthe display unit and the input unit, where the selected operation isneither an activation operation nor an authentication operation based on1^(st) user information. The method may include the steps of: keepingthe terminal in the off-state; receiving a single user input applied toat least a portion of the input unit by at least one applicator which isa user body part (or a non-user object) during such keeping; acquiringthe 1^(st) user information from the user input; sensing a contactformed between the portion and the applicator in response to the userinput; acquiring at least one 1^(st) feature from a movement of theapplicator on the input unit sensed in a 1^(st) direction; running theauthentication operation based on the 1^(st) user information; runningthe selected operation in response to the 1^(st) feature; and displayingresults on the display unit after running the selected operation,whereby the terminal provides seamless operations of running theselected operation and running the authentication operation in responseto the single user input, without requiring an additional user input. Inthis method, such running the selected operation includes the step ofrunning at least one operation from the 1^(st), 2^(nd) or 3^(rd) groupof multiple pre-selected operations as described above.

In another exemplary aspect, a mobile communication terminal includes adisplay unit and a directional input unit. The display unit can beturned off in an off-state but turned on in an on-state. The directionalinput unit can receive one of a first user input and a second user inputwhen one of the user inputs is provided to at least a portion of saiddirectional input unit respectively in a first direction and a seconddirection which is different from said first direction. When theterminal receives one of such user inputs when said display unit is inthe off-state, the terminal runs an activation operation of turning onthe display unit in response to the received user input, without havingto receive any additional user input from a user. The terminal also runsone of a first selected operation and a second selected operation whenthe received user input is the first and second user inputs,respectively, without having to receive the additional user input fromthe user, where the first selected operation is different from thesecond selected operation. As a result, such a terminal can seamlesslyrun the activation operation as well as one of the first and secondselected operations in response to one of such first and second userinputs, without having to receive any additional user input from theuser.

In such a terminal, the terminal may also seamlessly run anauthentication in response to either user input, without having toreceive any additional user input from the user. When the terminalincludes a top surface and a bottom surface, the first and seconddirections may be two different curvilinear directions defined on one ofsaid surfaces. When the terminal includes a top edge, a side edge, and abottom edge, the first and second directions may be two differentcurvilinear directions defined on one of such edges. The directionalinput unit may include a button at least a portion of which is movableby the user in such directions.

In such a terminal, each of such first and second selected operationsmay be one of a picture taking operation, a video recording operation,an audio recording operation, an image viewing or editing operation, anaudio or sound playing operation, a location monitoring operation, ahealth monitoring operation, a calling operation, a wirelesscommunication operation, a messenger service operation, a short messageservice (SMS) operation, an email processing operation, a social networkservice operation, an event scheduling operation, a navigationoperation, an operation for connecting to a network of IoT, an operationfor connecting to an appliance through the IoT network, an operation forconnecting to a control system of a vehicle or a building, an operationfor manipulating an electric unit or an electro-mechanical unit of thevehicle or building, an operation of connecting to a robot, an operationof manipulating an electric unit and an electro-mechanical unit of saidrobot, or the like. One of the first and second selected operations maybe an authentication operation for authenticating a current user aswell.

In another exemplary aspect, a mobile communication terminal includes adisplay unit and a directional input unit. The display unit can beturned off in an off-state but turned on in an on-state. The directionalinput unit can receive one of a first user input and a second user inputwhen one of the user inputs is provided by a user when the user moves atleast one user body part on or over the directional input unitrespectively in a first direction and a second direction which isdifferent from the first direction while the user is contacting theinput unit. When the terminal receives one of the user inputs when thedisplay unit is in the off-state, the terminal runs an activationoperation of turning on the display unit in response to the receiveduser input, without having to receive any additional user input from auser. The terminal also runs one of a first selected operation and asecond selected operation when the received user input is respectivelythe first user input and second user input, without having to receiveany additional user input from the user, where the second selectedoperation is different from the first selected operation. Thus, theterminal can seamlessly run the activation operation as well as one ofthe first and second selected operations in response to one of the firstand second user inputs, without having to receive any additional userinput from the user.

In such a terminal, the terminal may therefore seamlessly run anauthentication in response to either user input, without having toreceive the additional user input from the user. When the terminalincludes a top surface and a bottom surface, the first and seconddirections may be two different curvilinear directions defined on one ofsuch surfaces. When the terminal includes a top edge, a side edge, and abottom edge, the first and second directions may be two differentcurvilinear directions defined on one of the edges. The directionalinput unit may include a touch screen over which the user moves his orher body part while maintaining such contacting.

In such a terminal, each of such first and second selected operationsmay be one of a picture taking operation, a video recording operation,an audio recording operation, an image viewing or editing operation, anaudio or sound playing operation, a location monitoring operation, ahealth monitoring operation, a calling operation, a wirelesscommunication operation, a messenger service operation, a short messageservice (SMS) operation, an email processing operation, a social networkservice operation, an event scheduling operation, a navigationoperation, an operation for connecting to a network of IoT, an operationfor connecting to an appliance through the IoT network, an operation forconnecting to a control system of a vehicle or a building, an operationfor manipulating an electric unit or an electro-mechanical unit of thevehicle or building, an operation of connecting to a robot, an operationof manipulating an electric unit and an electro-mechanical unit of saidrobot, or the like. One of the first and second selected operations maybe an authentication operation for authenticating a current user aswell.

In another exemplary aspect, a mobile communication terminal includes adisplay unit and a directional input unit. The display unit can beturned off in an off-state but turned on in an on-state. The directionalinput unit can receive one of a first user input and a second user inputwhen one of the user inputs is provided to at least a portion of saiddirectional input unit respectively in a first direction and a seconddirection which is different from said first direction. When theterminal receives one of such user inputs when said display unit is inthe off-state, the terminal runs an authentication operation ofauthenticating a user in response to the received user input, withouthaving to receive any additional user input from the user. When saiduser passes the user authenticating, the terminal runs one of a firstselected operation and a second selected operation when the receiveduser input is the first and second user inputs, respectively, withouthaving to receive any additional user input from the user, where thefirst selected operation is different from the second selectedoperation. As a result, the terminal can seamlessly run theauthentication operation as well as one of such first and secondselected operations in response to one of the first and second userinputs, without having to receive any additional user input from theuser.

In this terminal, when the terminal includes a top surface and a bottomsurface, the first and second directions may be two differentcurvilinear directions defined on one of said surfaces. When theterminal includes a top edge, a side edge, and a bottom edge, the firstand second directions may be two different curvilinear directionsdefined on one of such edges. The directional input unit may include abutton at least a portion of which is movable by the user in suchdirections.

In such a terminal, each of such first and second selected operationsmay be one of a picture taking operation, a video recording operation,an audio recording operation, an image viewing or editing operation, anaudio or sound playing operation, a location monitoring operation, ahealth monitoring operation, a calling operation, a wirelesscommunication operation, a messenger service operation, a short messageservice (SMS) operation, an email processing operation, a social networkservice operation, an event scheduling operation, a navigationoperation, an operation for connecting to a network of IoT, an operationfor connecting to an appliance through the IoT network, an operation forconnecting to a control system of a vehicle or a building, an operationfor manipulating an electric unit or an electro-mechanical unit of thevehicle or building, an operation of connecting to a robot, an operationof manipulating an electric unit and an electro-mechanical unit of saidrobot, or the like.

Unless otherwise defined or specified in this disclosure, all technicalor scientific terms used herein carry the same meaning as commonlyunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to which suchdirectional input units of various mobile communication terminals,methods of manufacturing and using such input units, and hardware orsoftware elements used in such input units and terminals belong.Although different structures, methods, and elements which may beequivalent or similar to those described in this disclosure may be usedin practicing the directional input units and terminals, methods, andelements, this disclosure provides further exemplary configurations,operations, and methods below.

It is to be understood that all publications, patent applications,patents, or other references mentioned herein are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety. In case of conflict, this disclosure,including definitions as provided above, will control. In addition,various configurations, operations, methods, hardware elements orsoftware elements described hereinafter are only illustrative and notintended to be limiting the scope of various directional input units andmobile communication terminals incorporating such directional inputunits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of exemplary concurrent operations (orsteps) which are presented along clock cycles of a processor of a mobilecommunication terminal;

FIG. 1B describes a schematic diagram of exemplary concurrent operations(or steps) presented along clock cycles of a processor of a mobilecommunication terminal in view of a user input;

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an exemplary mobile communication terminalaccording to the first exemplary aspect of this disclosure;

FIG. 2B shows a block diagram of a terminal including a CPU member;

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary operational sequence of a mobilecommunication terminal which incorporates a directional input unit;

FIGS. 4A to 4D show exemplary screens which a terminal displays afterrunning the selected operation;

FIGS. 5A to 5K show various directional input units which areincorporated into various exemplary locations of a mobile communicationterminal;

FIGS. 6A and 6B exemplify operational sequences of a mobilecommunication terminal which are variations of that of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 shows exemplary operational sequences of a mobile communicationterminal according to the second exemplary aspect of this disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a variation of the operational sequences of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 exemplifies operational sequences of a mobile communicationterminal of the third exemplary aspect;

FIGS. 10A to 10E are cross-sectional and vertical views of an exemplarypress-ID element according to the fourth exemplary aspect of thisdisclosure;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are cross-sectional and vertical views of an exemplarypress-ID element according to the fifth exemplary aspect of thisdisclosure;

FIG. 12 is a vertical view of an exemplary touch-ID element according tothe sixth exemplary aspect of this disclosure;

FIGS. 13A to 13D show schematic views of exemplary notice unitsincorporated on or around a touch screen-type display unit according tothe seventh exemplary aspect of this disclosure;

FIGS. 14A to 14G are schematic views of exemplary notice units coupledto exemplary directional input units according to the eighth exemplaryaspect of this disclosure;

FIGS. 15A to 15E are schematic drawings of top views of exemplary2^(nd)-type directional input units, touch-ID elements thereof, andtheir sensors; and

FIGS. 16A to 16D are schematic drawings of exemplary long axes ofvarious directional input units.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure relates to various directional input units capable ofconcurrently acquiring multiple (user) sub-inputs from a single effortby a user, thereby allowing a user to run multiple different operationswhen a terminal powers on from a powered-off state, when a terminalwakes up from an off-state, or when a terminal switches to a new stateor a new mode. In addition, this disclosure relates to various mobilecommunication terminals which are incorporated with various directionalinput units and, therefore, which can provide optimum seamlessoperations to a user of such terminals.

Various mobile communication terminals of this disclosure offer a userwith benefits of enhanced capability in seamless operations through atleast “four main features” which may be “independent” of each other orwhich may be “interdependent” upon each other, based on configurationalor operational characteristics of a terminal or upon suchcharacteristics of various hardware or software elements of adirectional input unit of a terminal.

The “first main feature” of this disclosure is to provide a terminalwith at least one “directional input unit” which includes a sensor foracquiring directional information of a user input. Because a user canreadily manipulate a direction of the user's own input, he or she canalso readily provide the input unit with various user inputs in multipledirections, thereby selecting and running one of multiple pre-selectedoperations while or (immediately) after powering on the terminal,turning on its display unit, or switching the terminal to a new mode ofoperation.

That is, as long as a user can readily differentiate such differentdirections and provide a single user input (or multiple concurrent userinputs) in one of such directions to a terminal, a user can readilyselect one of multiple pre-selected operations, and then render aterminal run the selected operation, while or immediately after theterminal switches [1] from a powered-off state to a powered-on state(i.e., “powering on”), [2] from an off-state to an on-state (i.e.,“turning on” or “waking up”), [3] from a current mode to a new mode(i.e., “switching modes”), or the like, where the selected operation isneither an operation of turning on the display unit nor an operation ofauthenticating the user. As a result, a user may enjoy running a desiredoperation in addition to turning on a display unit or to authenticatinga user in either of [1], [2], or [3] as described above, all in responseto a single user input (or multiple concurrent user inputs), and withoutrequiring the user to provide an additional user input after suchpowering on, such waking up, or such switching modes.

The “second main feature” of this disclosure is attributed to such adirectional input unit which can “differentiate directions” in a “2-D”plane or in a “3-D” space. When a sensor of the input unit candifferentiate directions in a 2-D plane, a user may provide a singleuser input (or multiple concurrent user inputs) in one of at least twodifferent directions (e.g., up-down, or left-right), in one of at leastthree different direction (e.g., up-left-right, or up-down-horizontal),or in one of at least four different directions (e.g.,up-down-left-right, or upper left-upper right-lower left-lower right).Accordingly, by readily manipulating such directions, a user may easilyselect one of two, three, four, five, six, seven, or more pre-selectedoperations, simply by manipulating a direction of the user input whichhe or she provides to the directional input unit. In response thereto, aterminal may then run the selected operation. It is appreciated that the2-D plane may be defined [1] parallel to a surface of a display unit ofa terminal, [2] parallel to a rear surface of a terminal, [3] parallelto a side or an edge of a terminal, or [4] at a preset angle withrespect to the surface, side, or edge.

When a sensor of a directional input unit can differentiate directionsin a 3-D space, a user may manipulate a direction of a user input notonly horizontally but also vertically. Accordingly, this configurationprovides a user with greater flexibility in providing a user input in agreater number of directions. As a result, a user may select oneoperation from four, five, six, seven, eight, or more pre-selectedoperations. In response thereto, a terminal may then run the selectedoperation. It is appreciated that the 2-D plane or the 3-D space may bedefined in any prior art coordinate system and that such a coordinatesystem may be set up by defining a terminal or a directional input unitas its center (or origin) or as a point thereof.

The “third main feature” of this disclosure is to provide a terminalwith a directional input unit which can monitor a “static feature” or a“dynamic feature” of a single user input, and to acquire directionalinformation from the feature. As long as a user can readilydifferentiate such static or dynamic features and provide a single userinput (or multiple concurrent user inputs) while incorporating one ofsuch features to the user input, a user can readily select one ofmultiple pre-selected operations, and then render a terminal run theselected operation while or (immediately) after such [1] powering on,[2] waking up or turning on, [3] or switching modes.

The “fourth main feature” of this disclosure is to provide a terminalwith at least one “notice unit” capable of assisting a user in selectingwhich direction he or she has to provide a single user input (ormultiple concurrent user inputs) for running one of multiplepre-selected operations. For example, a notice unit may generate avisual signal, an audible signal, or a tactile signal, and may inform auser [1] in which direction a user may provide a terminal with a userinput which includes a desired selecting (user) sub-input (i.e.,UI_(SEL)), [2] which UI_(SEL) a user has provided (or is providing), [3]a matching between multiple UI_(SEL)'s and multiple pre-selectedoperations in a matching list, [4] which pre-selected operation is to berun by UI_(SEL) which a user has provided (or is providing), or thelike. A user may then readily determine whether or not he or she isproviding (or has provided) a single user input with correct UI_(SEL)for selecting and running a desired selected operation, whether or not aterminal is going to run an operation which is intended by a user whileor (immediately) after the terminal powers on, wakes up, or switchesmodes. As a result, a terminal may enhance the efficiency of suchseamless operations by minimizing user mistakes or errors.

A terminal may provide a visual notice signal by driving a designatednotice unit. Alternatively, a terminal may provide a visual noticesignal using its display unit, where the display unit may then be deemedto serve as a display unit as well as a notice unit. A terminal may alsoprovide an audible notice signal by driving a designated notice unit, ormay provide the audible notice signal using its speaker, where thespeaker may then be deemed to serve as a speaker as well as a noticeunit. In addition, a terminal may provide a tactile notice signal bydriving a designated notice unit, or may provide the tactile noticesignal using its vibrator, where such a vibrator may then be deemed toserve as a vibrator as well as a notice unit.

When a mobile communication terminal displays graphical user interfaces(GUIs) on a display unit and allow a user to run various operations bymanipulating such GUIs, an “additional main feature” of this disclosureis to allow a user to run such operations by providing user inputsdirectly to a “directional input unit,” instead of requiring a user tomanually touch or press such GUIs. As a result, when a user wants to runa certain operation while a terminal is in its on-state, a user mayprovide a user input to a terminal, not by directly manipulating a GUIdesignated to such an operation, but by manipulating the directionalinput unit. As a result, a user does not have to move his or her fingersall over a screen of a display unit of a terminal.

Disclosed heretofore and to be disclosed hereinafter relate to exemplaryaspects, embodiments, and examples of various directional input unitsand mobile communication terminals which include such directional inputunits and which, as a result, can provide optimum seamless operations tothe user. This disclosure typically relates to various configurations ofsuch directional input units, various methods of constructing or usingthe directional input units and such terminals, and various hardware andsoftware elements of the directional input units to embody such seamlessoperations.

It is appreciated that this disclosure is provided with reference toaccompanying drawings and text, in which such exemplary aspects,embodiments or examples only represent different forms. However, suchterminals and various methods related thereto may also be embodied inmany other different configurations, structures, methods, processes, orsequences in such a way that they should not be limited to variousexemplary aspects and embodiments as set forth hereinabove andhereinafter. Rather, such exemplary aspects and embodiments describedherein are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete, and fully convey the scope of such terminals, methods,processes or sequences to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

It is appreciated that, unless otherwise specified, various systems,units, elements, portions, or parts of various mobile communicationterminals are not typically drawn to proportions or scales in theaccompanying figures for ease of illustration. It is also appreciatedthat such systems, units, elements, portions, or parts of the mobilecommunication terminals as well as their operations, steps, andsequences designated by the same numerals in the accompanying figuresrepresent the same, similar or functional equivalent systems, units,elements, portions, parts, operations, steps, and sequences,respectively.

Reference is made to accompanying drawings which show, by way ofillustration, various exemplary aspects or embodiments in which variousmobile communication terminals may be constructed and various methodsrelated to such terminals may be practiced. It is appreciated thatnumerals appearing between parentheses “(” and “)” such as, e.g., (10)or (60), in this disclosure represent those systems, units, elements,portions, or parts which appear in the drawings.

It is appreciated that various exemplary aspects and embodiments of suchmobile communication terminals of this disclosure, although different,are not necessarily mutually exclusive. That is, a particular feature,structure, operation, function, method, sequence or characteristic ofsuch terminals described herein in connection with one exemplary aspector embodiment may also be implemented into another aspect or embodimentof this disclosure, within the extent of not contradicting each other,and without departing from a spirit and a scope of such terminalsthroughout this disclosure, subject to a certain modification, additionor omission each of which becomes apparent based on detailed contexts.

It is also appreciated that an arrangement or a position of each system,unit, element, portion, or part of various exemplary aspects orembodiments of this disclosure may also be modified to certain extentswithout departing from the spirits and scopes of other exemplaryterminals of this disclosure. Accordingly, the following detaileddescription is not to be taken to limit the scope of various terminalsfor providing various directional input units while ensuring theenhanced seamless capabilities provided by such terminals. The scope ofsuch terminals and methods are defined only by appended claims thatshould be appropriately interpreted in a full range of equivalents towhich such claims are entitled. In the drawings, like reference numeralsidentify like or similar elements or functions through the severalviews.

Hereinafter, exemplary aspects and embodiments of various mobilecommunication terminals of this disclosure will be explained in detailin both hardware and software perspectives and with reference to theaccompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easilyunderstand and use such terminals, can manufacture such terminals, andcan perform such sequences of various operations and steps for suchterminals, or the like.

4. Configuration 1—Concurrent Turning on

In the first exemplary aspect of this disclosure which corresponds tothe 1^(st) Configuration of this disclosure, an exemplary mobilecommunication terminal may include at least one CPU member, inputmember, output member, memory member, and other optional members. Theoutput member includes at least one display unit capable of generatingvisual signals as well as at least one speaker capable of generatingaudible signals. The input member [1] may include at least one maininput unit and at least one directional input unit, or [2] may include amain input unit which also serves as a directional input unit and,therefore, which may also be referred to as a directional input unit.

4-1. Configuration 1—Overall

In one exemplary embodiment of the first exemplary aspect of thisdisclosure, a mobile communication terminal includes various hardwareand software elements. Such software elements may generally be embeddedinto various hardware elements of a terminal or, alternatively, may beprovided as separate computer programs or (software) applications. Whendesirable, some software elements may be provided not inside a terminalbut inside an external device as described above.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an exemplary mobile communication terminalaccording to the first exemplary aspect of this disclosure. Moreparticularly, FIG. 2A represents a mobile communication terminaldepicted in a context of multiple abstract layers, where the terminal(10) includes at least one CPU (31), at least one firmware (32)(optional), at least one assembler (33) (optional), at least one inputmember (20), at least one memory member (40), at least one output member(50), at least one operating system (or an O/S) which may include atleast one kernel (34) (optional), at least one (software) application(35), other optional members (60), or the like.

Various lines which connect such members or units of FIG. 2A show“paths” of physical or operational coupling between various members orunits such as, e.g., paths of command signals, paths of data transfer,paths of manipulation, or the like. It is appreciated that such paths ofFIG. 2A are only exemplary and that many other members or units may bephysically or operationally connected by additional paths which arenevertheless not included in the figure. For example, the CPU (31) andthe O/S (34) may drive other members or units of FIG. 2A. Not all pathsare included in this figure, however, for simplicity of illustration,and further paths among such members or units of the figure will to beexplained in greater detail below.

A CPU (i.e., a central processing unit) (31) generally refers to anelectronic circuitry carrying out instructions of a computer program byperforming basic arithmetic, logical, control, and/or I/O operations asspecified by such instructions. The CPU (31) [1] may be fabricated as amicroprocessor, [2] may be incorporated into a microcontroller, [3] maybe formed as a system-on-a-chip (SoC) which may also include therein amemory part, a peripheral interface, or the like.

A firmware (32) is a kind of prior art software or prior art (software)application which may provide control, data monitoring, or datamanipulation to many engineered parts (or portions) of various hardwareelements of a terminal (10). The firmware (32) may be incorporated intovarious prior art parts of a terminal such as, e.g., an input unit, atouch screen, a camera, a display panel, or the like. An assembler (33)is another type of software or (software) application creating an objectcode, e.g., by translating combinations of various mnemonics and syntaxfor operations and by addressing modes into their numerical equivalents.The assembler (33) may also calculate a constant expression and resolvea symbolic name for memory locations, and may store tedious calculationsand manual address updates after program modifications.

An O/S (34) refers to a “system software” which can manage varioushardware or software elements and other elements of a terminal (10). TheO/S (34) provides common services to computer programs. In other words,every computer program, except the firmware (32), may require the O/S(34) to run operations and to perform their intended functions. Inaddition, the O/S (34) with time-sharing features may schedule tasks forefficient use of the terminal (10), and may include an accountingsoftware for cost allocation of processor time, mass storage, printing,or other resources. The O/S (34) may also serve as an intermediarybetween various software and hardware elements for performing variousfunctions such as, e.g., memory allocation, I/O (input-output) hardwarefunctions, or the like.

In relation to the O/S (34), a kernel is also a computer program whichmay have a complete control over (almost) everything which may beprocessed or executed in a terminal (10). In this context, the kernelmay be deemed as a central core of the O/S (34). Therefore, the kernelis usually the first program loaded on a startup of a terminal (10), andthen manages the remainder of the startup such as, e.g., I/O requests byvarious software elements, translating them into data processinginstructions for the CPU (31), or the like. The kernel is responsiblefor managing a memory member (40) and for managing and communicatingwith various prior art computing peripheries such as, e.g., a printer,an external speaker, and an external monitor. The kernel may also manageand communicate with other external electrical devices to which aterminal may operatively couple either by wire or wirelessly, whereexamples of such devices may include, but not limited to, an electricaldevice included in an IoT network, another terminal, another computer, avehicle or an automobile, a motor cycle, a robot, a drone, a weapon withat least minimum electrical circuits, or the like.

A kernel may connect various software elements of a terminal (10)(including software applications). Critical codes of the kernel areusually loaded into a protected sector of memory, thereby preventingsuch codes from being overwritten by other, less frequently used partsof the O/S (34) or various applications residing therein. The kerneltypically performs its tasks (e.g., executing programs and handlinginterrupts) in a “kernel space,” whereas everything a user normallyperforms (e.g., writing text in a text editor or executing programs in aGUI) is done in a “user space,” thereby preventing interference betweenthe user data and kernel data and resulting diminished performance andinstability. When a process makes request of the kernel, the request iscalled a “system call.” Various kernel designs differ in how they maymanage the system calls and resources.

FIG. 2B shows a block diagram of a terminal which includes a CPU member.For illustration purposes, a “CPU member” (30) may collectively refer tothe CPU (31), the firmware (32), and the assembler (33), as encircled bya dotted line in FIG. 2A. It is appreciated that such hardware andsoftware elements of the CPU member (30) may be identical or similar tothose commonly found in prior art mobile communication devices such as,e.g., mobile phones or smart-phones and, therefore, other features ofsuch elements are omitted herein.

As a result and as exemplified in FIG. 2B, a terminal (10) includes atleast one CPU member (30), at least one O/S (34), at least one(software) application (35), at least one input member (20), at leastone output member (50), at least one memory member (40), or the like.Although not included in FIG. 2B, a terminal (10) may also include otheroptional members which are omitted for simplicity of illustration.

Still referring to FIG. 2B, a memory member (40) may include at leastone prior art non-volatile memory element or at least one volatilememory element. A terminal (10) may also releasably couple with anduncouple from an external memory device or card (e.g., an add-on device)in such a way that the CPU member (30) or O/S (34) may drive the memorymember (40) as well as the add-on, external memory device, and may storevarious data into one or both of such memory member (40) and externalmemory device.

In addition, other members may be similarly configured such that theycan releasably couple with an external device. For example, when aterminal runs a DNA authentication operation, an additional input membermay be added to a terminal to perform DNA analysis. Other members of theterminal (10) such as, e.g., the input member (20) and the output member(50) may be similar or identical to those commonly found in conventionalmobile phones or smart-phones and, accordingly, detailed configurationsor operational characteristics of such members (20), (50) are omittedherein for simplicity of illustration.

4-2. Configuration 1—Directional Input Unit

In another exemplary embodiment of the first exemplary aspect of thisdisclosure, the mobile communication terminal includes a directionalinput unit which may be one of multiple input units of the input member(20) or which may be the only input unit of the input member (20). Thedirectional input unit may be fabricated in many different forms suchas, e.g., [1] a 1^(st) hard button which can be pressed and displaced,[2] a 2^(nd) hard button which can be pressed or touched (withoutpressing) but which does not move, [3] a soft button which may beprovided as a GUI, or the like, where such buttons may not necessarilyhave round shapes but may rather be provided in any shape or size, andwhere the directional input units with such buttons are collectivelyreferred to as a “button-type directional input unit” hereinafter.

Accordingly and in one example, a directional input unit is fabricatedas a unit an entire (or at least a) portion of which may move between a“rest position” (or a “rest state”) and at least one “biased position”(or “biased state”). When a user applies force (i.e., a user input) to abutton-type directional input unit, the input unit moves in response tothe user input force, while generating at least one control signal andthen delivering such control signal to a terminal. Thereafter, aterminal may run a selecting operation and identify at least onepre-selected operation from a matching list based on the control signal.To this end, the directional input unit may generate at least onecontrol signal which corresponds to a certain selecting (user) sub-inputand which is caused by a certain movement of an entire (or at least a)portion of the directional input unit.

As described above, a directional input unit or a portion thereof maymove in response to force applied thereto by a user (i.e., a userinput). To generate various control signals, a directional input unitnot only receives the user input but also acquires a selecting (user)sub-input (i.e., UI_(SEL)) [1] from the force applied thereto by a user,[2] from various static or dynamic features of the force, [3] from themovement of the input unit, [4] from various static or dynamic featuresof the movement, or the like. It is appreciated that “Structure 1” and“Structure 2” of such directional input units which will be describedbelow belong to this category of directional input units.

In another example, a directional input unit is provided as a stationaryunit which does not move in response to force applied by a user (i.e., auser input) but which may sense the force or other static or dynamicfeatures of such force. In addition, a directional input unit may notnecessarily require a user to supply a force, for such a directionalinput unit may incorporate a sensor which may receive a user input ofcontacting or touching by a user, not a force exerted thereto.

Accordingly, when a user applies force (i.e., a pressing user input) toa directional input unit or when a user contacts or touches (i.e.,non-pressing user input) the input unit, a sensor of the input unitsenses application of a user input by, e.g., [1] sensing the inputforce, [2] sensing a contact by a user, or [3] monitoring a presence ofa user, while generating at least one control signal and then sendingthe control signal to a terminal. Based on a matching list whichprovides a matching between multiple control signals (or multipleUI_(SEL)'s) with multiple pre-selected operations pre-selected by a user(or a terminal), a terminal may run a selecting operation and identifyat least one operation which matches UI_(SEL) (i.e., at least one“selected operation”). A terminal may then run the selected operationduring or (immediately) after such powering on, waking up, or switchingmodes.

To generate distinct or unique control signals, a directional input unitmay not only receive the user input but also acquire multiple sub-inputsdirectly [1] from the force applied by a user, [2] from a movementcaused by the force, [3] from a contact with a user body part (or anon-user object), or [4] from various static or dynamic features of suchforce, movement, contact. It is appreciated that “Structure 3” asdescribed below belongs to this category of directional input units.

In another example, a directional input unit may be provided in adifferent configuration such as, e.g., an input unit which can beincorporated into a touch screen-type input member. For example, a touchscreen receives a user input in the form of a contact, a touch, a press,or the like, while [1] monitoring force associated with the press, touchor contact, [2] monitoring a contact between the touch screen and a userbody part (or a non-user object), or the like. A touch screen may alsomonitor a time-varying trajectory of such contact, touch, or press,i.e., a movement of such contact, touch, press, or the like. Whendesirable, a conventional touch screen may include at least oneadditional sensor which may be implemented [1] over a top layer of atouch screen, [2] into the top layer, [3] underneath the top layer, [4]around the touch screen, or [5] other positions over, below, around, orinside at least a portion of the touch screen, depending upon detailedconfigurational or operational characteristics of the sensor.

In addition, a directional input unit may also be fabricated in variousshapes, sizes, or arrangements, as long as the directional input unitmay receive a user input and may acquire UI_(SEL) therefrom, with orwithout moving at least a portion thereof in response to the user input.After acquiring UI_(SEL), the directional input unit may also generateat least one unique control signal in response thereto.

4-3. Configuration 1—Operations and Sequences

In another exemplary embodiment of the first exemplary aspect of thisdisclosure, a directional input unit may be implemented into a mobilecommunication terminal in different configurations and arrangements.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary operational sequence of a mobilecommunication terminal which incorporates a directional input unit suchthat a terminal may run a selecting operation in response to a userinput, and then run at least one selected operation while or(immediately) after a terminal powers on, wakes up, or switches modes.

For example, a mobile communication terminal is in a powered-on stateand in an off-state (i.e., its display unit has been or is turned off)(step 000). A user supplies a single user input (or multiple concurrentuser inputs) to an input member of a terminal, preferably to adirectional input unit (step 010). In response thereto, a directionalinput unit receives a user input, and concurrently acquires multiple(user) sub-inputs from the user input such as, e.g., at least oneauthentication user sub-input (UI_(THEN)) (step 011), at least oneactivation user sub-input (UI_(ACT)) (step 013), and at least oneselecting user sub-input (UI_(SEL)) (step 015). After concurrentlyacquiring the multiple (user) sub-inputs, a terminal may concurrently orsequentially run (or start to run) multiple operations such as, e.g., anoperation of turning on a display unit (i.e., “turning on” in responseto UI_(ACT)), an operation of authenticating a user (i.e.,“authenticating” in response to UI_(THEN)), and an operation ofselecting at least one operation desired by a user (i.e., “selecting” inresponse to UI_(SEL)). Based upon a source code of an O/S or a nature ofa kernel, however, a terminal may [1] concurrently run (or start to run)two of turning on, authenticating, and selecting, while starting toperform the last one of such operations thereafter, [2] run (or start torun) one of such operations first and then concurrently run (or start torun) the remaining two operations, [3] may run (or start to run) all ofsuch operations sequentially, without any temporal overlap therebetween.

Referring to (step 030), a terminal turns on a display unit or, moreparticularly, the terminal may start to turn on a display unit indifferent instances such as, e.g., [1] concurrently with (i.e., upon orin response to), [2] (immediately) after, or [3] within a certain periodafter receiving a user input or acquiring UI_(ACT). Therefore, an exactinstance in which a user sees a screen on a display unit may differ,depending on a type of a display unit or a (software) application forthe turning on operation. In addition, even when a display unit isturned on, a terminal may display various screens such as, e.g., a lockscreen, a home screen or other default screens. Once a display unit isturned on (step 030) in response to UI_(ACT), a terminal may keep thedisplay unit in this on-state, [1] until the terminal turns off adisplay unit according to a preset protocol, [2] until a user providesan additional user input to turn off the display unit, [3] until a userprovides another user input which may cause the terminal to turn off itsdisplay unit, or the like. Alternatively, a terminal may turn off adisplay unit [1] when a user does not provide any additional user inputwithin a certain period, [2] when a user fails the authenticating, orthe like.

Referring to (step 017), a terminal runs (or starts to run) a selectingoperation. In other words, a terminal may start to select (or identify)at least one (selected) operation to run while or (Immediately) after aterminal powers on, wakes up, or switches modes. To this end, a terminalmay consult a “matching list” which matches multiple UI_(SEL)'s withmultiple pre-selected operations which are selected and incorporated inthe matching list by a user (or a terminal). For example, once acquiringUI_(SEL) in (step 015), a terminal identifies UI_(SEL) in the matchinglist, and locates at least one operation which is assigned or matched toUI_(SEL) (i.e., at least one “selected operation”) from a set ofmultiple pre-selected operations which had been entered into thematching list. After selecting the selected operation, a terminal mayrun (or start to run) the selected operation and display resultsobtained from running the selected operation, without requiring a userto provide any additional user input in order to run the selectedoperation after the terminal powers on, wakes up, or switches modes.

When a terminal requires user authenticating (step 011), however, aterminal may wait for an outcome from the authenticating, and thenstarts to run the selected operation when a user passes suchauthenticating. It is appreciated that “running a selecting operation”and “running a selected operation” refer to different operations. Thatis, “running a selecting operation” refers to running an operation inorder to select or locate an operation which is matched to a certainUI_(SEL) and, therefore, which a user wants a terminal to run while or(immediately) after a terminal powers on, wakes up, or switch modes. Incontrary, “running a selected operation” rather refers to actuallyrunning at least one (selected) operation as has been selected by suchrunning a selecting operation. It then follows that a terminal can run aselected operation only after a terminal completes to run a selectingoperation and only after a terminal may select or locate which one of aset of multiple pre-selected operations may correspond to the operationwhich a user intends to run during or (immediately) after such poweringon, waking up, or switching modes.

As is the case with the above “turning on,” a terminal may run (or startto run) a selecting operation in various selecting timings as defined inSection 1-12-3. Therefore, an exact instance when a terminal starts torun the selecting operation or when a terminal actually finishes to runthe selecting operation may differ, depending on a type of a directionalinput unit or a (software) application for such running a selectingoperation.

Referring to (step 040), a terminal runs (or starts to run) at least oneauthentication operation of authenticating a user. A terminal may run anauthentication operation in various “authenticating timings” such as,e.g., [1-1] concurrently with receiving a user input or acquiringUI_(ACT), [1-2] (immediately) thereafter, i.e., (immediately) afterreceiving a user input or acquiring UI_(ACT), or [1-3] within a certainperiod thereafter. A terminal may run (or start to run) at least oneauthentication operation [2-1] concurrently with running (or starting torun) such turning on, [2-2] (immediately) thereafter, i.e.,(immediately) after the turning on, [2-3] within a certain periodthereafter, or the like. A terminal may run (or start to run) at leastone authentication operation [3-1] concurrently with running (orstarting to run) such selecting, [3-2] (immediately) thereafter, i.e.,(immediately) after such selecting, or [3-3] within a certain periodthereafter. Therefore, an exact instance when a terminal starts to runor finishes to run an authentication operation may differ, depending ona type or a mechanism of an authentication sensor or a (software)application for such running a selecting operation.

It is appreciated that a terminal may run one or multiple authenticationoperations sequentially (e.g., one at a time and without any temporaloverlap) or concurrently with each other. Multiple authenticationoperations may authenticate an identical biometric feature of a user ormay authenticate different biometric features of a user. In addition, auser may spend different periods of time when the user provides his orher fingerprint, an image of an iris or a retina, a voice, or the like.In addition, a terminal may recruit different authentication sensors (orhardware elements) for such user authenticating, where the sensors mayoperate under different mechanisms, may have different response time, orthe like. Accordingly, exact instances (or clock cycles) when a terminalmay start or finish running each authentication operation may differ.

Still referring to (step 040), after acquiring UI_(THEN) from a userinput in (step 011), a terminal compares UI_(THEN) with pre-storedauthentication information of an authorized user, which corresponds tothe “comparing step” as described above. A terminal then determineswhether UI_(THEN) or other authentication information included in a userinput matches the pre-stored authentication or information (i.e., a“pass” or “yes”) or not (i.e., a “fail” or “no”), where this stepcorresponds to the “determining step” as described above. When a userfails such authenticating, a terminal may [1] switch to a lock mode anddisplay a lock screen (step 050), [2] keep a display unit turned off,[3] keep a display unit turned off but turn on a display unit when auser continues to provide a user input for a period longer than a presetthreshold period. When a user passes the authenticating, a terminal mayswitch to an unlock mode, and then display a home screen (between steps040 and 061). Concurrently therewith, (immediately) after, or within acertain period after confirming that a user passes such authenticating,a terminal may start to run a selected operation in an unlock mode (step061). Although not included in FIG. 3, even when a user fails such userauthenticating, a terminal may also start to run a selected operation ina lock mode [1] when desirable, [2] when a current user is authorized torun the selected operation in the lock mode, or the like.

As described above, different hardware or software elements reactdifferently, even though an input unit may receive a user input(s) andconcurrently acquire different (user) sub-inputs. Therefore, a displayunit may be turned on before a terminal finishes the userauthenticating. In such a case, a terminal displays a lock screen andthen replaces the lock screen with a home screen after the user passesthe authenticating. Conversely, when a terminal finishes the userauthenticating before a display unit is turned on, a terminal maydisplay a lock screen or may keep a display unit turned off when a userfails such authenticating. When a user passes such authenticating, aterminal may turn on a display unit and display an unlock screenthereon, without having to display a lock screen before the home screen.

Referring to (step 061), when a terminal authenticates a current userthrough such comparing and determining steps, a terminal may not havefinished to run a selecting operation. In such a case, a terminal maywait until it finishes to run the selecting operation and to identifywhich one of multiple pre-selected operations of the matching listcorresponds to the acquired UI_(SEL). Upon finishing to run theselecting operation and identifying the selected operation, a terminalmay proceed to run the selected operation (step 061). When a terminalhas finished to run the selecting operation before the terminal finishesto run an authentication operation, and when a user passes suchauthenticating, a terminal proceeds to run the selected operation aswell (step 061).

In the sequence exemplified in FIG. 3, a terminal checks whetherUI_(SEL) corresponds to “Operation 1” which is one of such pre-selectedoperations. Because a terminal has already identified the selectedoperation which matches UI_(SEL) from the matching list, a terminal mayonly need to check whether or not Operation 1 matches the selectedoperation. When the answer is “yes” (i.e., matching the selectedoperation), a terminal then runs Operation 1 (step 071). Upon finishingrunning Operation 1, a terminal displays results obtained from Operation1 on the display unit (step 081).

FIGS. 4A to 4D show exemplary screens which a terminal displays afterrunning the selected operation, where each terminal (10) includes adirectional input unit (22) and a display unit (52). For example and asexemplified in FIG. 4A, a terminal (10) includes a directional inputunit (22) which is formed as a hard button and disposed below a displayunit (52). The display unit (52) is also turned off (i.e., in anoff-state), until a terminal (10) may finish to run a selectingoperation and to run a selected operation.

Referring to FIG. 4B, a user provides a user input to a directionalinput unit (22), while moving his or her finger upwardly, where theupward movement corresponds to UI_(SEL-U). A terminal (10) receives auser input, and then acquires UI_(SEL-U) as well as UI_(THEN). Aterminal (10) runs an authentication operation (step 040) upon acquiringUI_(THEN). Once a user passes the authenticating, a terminal (10)proceed to run a selecting operation based on UI_(SEL-U). After aterminal finishes running the selecting operation, a terminal identifiesthat the acquired UI_(SEL-U) corresponds to an email application whichalso corresponds to “Operation 1” in the matching list (step 061). Aterminal (10) loads an email application, and then runs an emailoperation which corresponds to the application selected by the acquiredUI_(SEL-U) (i.e., the selected operation) (step 071). Thereafter, aterminal (10) may display an inbox of the email application on a displayunit (52) (step 081). It is appreciated that, when a user fails theauthentication, a terminal (10) may keep its display unit (52) turnedoff or may turn on a display unit (52) while displaying a lock screenthereon.

Referring back, when UI_(SEL) does not match Operation 1 and the answeris “no” in (step 061) (i.e., mismatching between the selected operationand UI_(SEL)), a terminal advances to (step 063) to check whetherUI_(SEL) matches Operation 2. As shown in FIG. 4C, when Operation 2matches the selected operation, a terminal then runs a selectedoperation which is a messenger application, and displays new messages ona display unit (52).

It is appreciated that a terminal (10) of FIG. 4C also includes adirectional input unit (22) and a display unit (52) but that thedirectional input unit (22) is provided to a user as a GUI which isdisplayed on the display unit (52). In this respect, the input unit (22)of FIG. 4C may be viewed as a soft button. It is also appreciated thatthe soft button or GUI (22) may only disappear on a display unit (52)when a display unit (52) is turned off. Alternatively, a terminal mayprovide the soft button or GUI (22) on a display unit (52), while therest of the display unit (52) is turned off in such a way that themajority of the display unit (52) is turned off but that a user can seethe soft button or GUI (22) thereon. In such a case, the GUI may bedeemed as one of the routine data and, therefore, the display unit (52)may also be deemed in its off-state.

When the answer is again “no” in (step 063), a terminal advances to(step 065) to check whether UI_(SEL) matches Operation 3. As depicted inFIG. 4D, when Operation 3 matches UI_(SEL), a terminal runs a selectedoperation which is an operation of loading a gallery, and displayspictures or scanned images on the display unit (52). When there are morepre-selected operations to run, a terminal may repeat this comparisonuntil it finds an additional selected operation which matches additionalUI_(SEL), i.e., an additional operation from such pre-selectedoperations which a user wants to run when a terminal powers on, wakesup, or changes modes.

Referring to (step 090), when a user passes the authenticating but whenan acquired UI_(SEL) may not match any of the pre-selected Operations 1,2, and 3, a terminal may display a home screen. A user may then selectan operation he or she wants to run from a home screen, apply anadditional user input to a GUI or an icon which represents theoperation, and run the operation. Because a user fails to provide acorrect UI_(SEL) to a terminal in this case, he or she has to provide anadditional user input(s) which includes a correct UI_(SEL), therebyfailing to enjoy the seamless operations. Alternatively, a terminal maysend an alarm to a user in order to inform that an acquired UI_(SEL)does not match any of multiple pre-selected operations and, therefore,that a user needs to provide a correct UI_(SEL). In another alternative,a terminal may turn off a display unit and then go back to a sleep mode.

As described above, various hardware or software elements may havedifferent response times and operating times such that a display unithas already been turned on even before a terminal finishes running aselecting operation. In this case, a terminal may display a lock screenor default screen, and keep displaying the screen until such selectingis completed. A terminal may optionally display a visual notice signalthat a user has provided a certain UI_(SEL) or that a certain selectedoperation is to be run. Alternatively, a terminal may keep displayingthe lock or default screen until it completes to run a selectingoperation and then run at least one selected operation. Thereafter, aterminal may replace the previous screen with a screen directlydisplaying results obtained from running the selected operation.

In another example, a display unit may not have been turned on when aterminal finishes running a selecting operation. In this case, uponturning on a display unit, a terminal may display a lock screen or otherdefault screens and continue to display the screen until a terminalcompletes running at least one selected operation, while optionallydisplaying a visual notice signal on the display unit as describedabove. Alternatively, a display unit may not have been turned on when aterminal finishes running a selecting operation and then finishesrunning at least one selected operation. In this case, upon turning on adisplay unit, a terminal may display outcomes or results from runningthe selected operation such as, e.g., displaying an inbox of an emailapplication, showing pictures or video clips stored in a gallery, or thelike.

4-4. Configuration 1—Hardware Elements and Variations

In another exemplary embodiment of the first exemplary aspect of thisdisclosure, a directional input unit may receive a single user input ormultiple (concurrent or sequential) user inputs, and concurrentlyacquire multiple (user) sub-inputs, while recruiting various hardwareelements of a terminal. It is appreciated that, in the latter case, aterminal may concurrently receive multiple user inputs as well asconcurrently acquire multiple (user) inputs. Alternatively, a terminalmay sequentially acquire multiple user inputs but may concurrentlyacquire multiple (user) inputs as described above.

In one example of this exemplary embodiment, a terminal may not onlyreceive a user input but also acquire (user) sub-inputs in variousarrangements. More particularly, a terminal may include a singledirectional input unit, or may include multiple input units at least oneof which may be a directional input unit. A terminal (or its directionalinput unit) may acquire multiple (user) sub-inputs concurrently witheach other from a single user input or multiple concurrent user inputs.In addition, regardless of a number of such directional input units orother input units, a user may manipulate a single movable or stationaryportion of a directional input unit for providing multiple sub-inputsconcurrently, or may concurrently manipulate multiple portions of thedirectional input unit and provide multiple concurrent sub-inputs.Followings describe exemplary arrangements of this example.

In one arrangement, a terminal includes only one input unit which is adirectional input unit which receives a single user input includingmultiple (user) sub-inputs, where a user manipulates a single portion ofthe input unit, or where a user manipulates a single user body part withrespect to the input unit. Therefore, the input unit may concurrentlyacquire multiple (user) sub-inputs from the user input. In anotherarrangement, a terminal similarly includes only one input unit which isa directional input unit which receives a single user input includingmultiple (user) sub-inputs, where a user may concurrently manipulatemultiple portions of a directional input unit or where a user mayconcurrently manipulate multiple body parts with respect to the inputunit. Therefore, a directional input unit still concurrently acquiresmultiple (user) sub-inputs.

In yet another arrangement, a terminal may include multiple input unitsat least one of which is a directional input unit, and may receivemultiple user inputs each of which includes at least one (user)sub-input, where a directional input unit receives a user input whichincludes UI_(SEL). When a user manipulates a single portion or multipleportions of at least two of such input units concurrently, a terminalmay concurrently acquire multiple (user) sub-inputs therefrom.

In each of the above arrangements, a terminal receives a single userinput or multiple (concurrent or sequential) user inputs, andconcurrently acquires multiple (user) sub-inputs one of which isUI_(SEL), while not requiring a user to provide any non-concurrent,additional user input thereafter. In addition, a terminal does not runany operation to make determinations for such concurrent acquisition ofmultiple (user) sub-inputs.

In another arrangement, a terminal similarly includes only a singleinput unit which is a directional input unit which in turn includesmultiple sensors and receives multiple concurrent user inputs eachincluding at least one (user) sub-input. A user may concurrentlymanipulate a single portion of a directional input unit or a single ormultiple body parts with respect to the input unit. Therefore, adirectional input unit still concurrently acquires multiple (user)sub-inputs. In the alternative, a user manipulates multiple portions ofa directional input unit or multiple body parts with respect to theinput unit sequentially (i.e., without a temporal overlap therebetween),whereby a directional input unit receives a series of multiple userinputs and may acquire a series of multiple (user) sub-inputs.

In another example of this exemplary embodiment, a directional inputunit may include various sensors (or hardware elements) depending uponneeds from a user or from its use. In other words, a directional inputunit needs to include only those sensors capable of acquiring necessaryUI_(SEL)'s. Therefore, a directional input unit may typically need toinclude a certain number of sensors when it is required to acquire thesame number of different UI_(SEL)'s.

In one arrangement, a directional input unit may include a 1^(st) sensorfor acquiring UI_(SEL) and a 2^(nd) sensor for acquiring one of UI_(ACT)and UI_(THEN). Accordingly, the input unit may concurrently acquireUI_(SEL) and one of UI_(ACT) and UI_(THEN) in response to a single userinput. In another arrangement, a directional input unit includes a1^(st) sensor for acquiring UI_(SEL), a 2^(nd) sensor for acquiringUI_(ACT), and a 3^(rd) sensor for acquiring UI_(THEN). The input unitmay concurrently acquire such three (user) sub-inputs in response to asingle user input. It is appreciated that a terminal may include adirectional input unit as well as a non-directional input unit such thata 1^(st) sensor for UI_(SEL) is incorporated into the former input unit,but that a 2^(nd) or 3^(rd) sensor is included in the latter input unit.

When a user manipulates such input units concurrently, a terminal mayreceive a single or multiple user inputs concurrently and may alsoacquire two or three (user) sub-inputs concurrently as well. It is alsoappreciated that a terminal may include a directional input unit as wellas an add-on input unit incorporated in an external device such that a1^(st) sensor for UI_(SEL) is incorporated into a directional inputunit, whereas a 2^(nd) or 3^(rd) sensor is included in the latter inputunit. Alternatively, an add-on unit may include the 1^(st) sensor forUI_(SEL), whereas a 2^(nd) or 3^(rd) sensor may be incorporated into adirectional input unit or an add-on input unit.

In another arrangement, a directional input unit may incorporate a1^(st) number of sensors in order to acquire a 2^(nd) number ofUI_(SEL)'s supplied thereto, where a 1^(st) number may be greater than a2^(nd) number, where such an “redundant arrangement” offers a user witha benefit of improving an accuracy of a directional input unit. Forexample, a terminal may include multiple identical or differentfingerprint authentication sensors into multiple portions of the inputunit. Conversely, a directional input unit may include a 2^(nd) numberof sensors in order to acquire a 1^(st) number of UI_(SEL)'s, where aterminal (or a directional input unit) may indirectly estimate orpredict at least one UI_(SEL) which may not be directly sensed thereby.Indirectly estimating an application of a force by a user (e.g.,UI_(ACT)) based on a movement of at least a portion of a directionalinput unit may be an example of this “simplified arrangement” orindirect sensing arrangement.

In another example, a directional input unit may be disposed intovarious portions of a mobile communication terminal, e.g., on a frontsurface of a terminal, along a side of a terminal, on at least twoidentical or different sides thereof, on a back surface of a terminal,or the like. FIGS. 5A to 5K show various directional input unitsincorporated into various exemplary locations of a mobile communicationterminal.

Referring to FIGS. 5A to 5C, a directional input unit is incorporated onvarious locations of a front surface of a terminal (when placing aterminal with its front surface up). For example, a directional inputunit (22) is placed in a center of a lower end of a front surface (seeFIG. 5A), in (or adjacent) a right (or left) corner of a lower end of afront surface (see FIG. 5B), in a center (or a corner) of an upper endthereof, in (or adjacent) a right (or left) corner of its upper end, ina center of its right (or left) side, in (or near) an upper (or lower)portion of the side, or the like.

In addition, a terminal may incorporate multiple input units at leastone of which is a directional input unit. For example and as exemplifiedin FIG. 5C, a terminal may include two input units, where one of suchinput units is a directional input unit, where another of such inputunits may be a power button, and where both of such input units aredisposed in each corner of a lower portion of a side of a front surface.Of course such input units may be disposed in different sides, differentsurfaces, or the like.

Referring to FIGS. 5D to 5F, a directional input unit (22) isimplemented into various locations of a rear surface of a terminal (whenplacing a terminal with its front surface up). For example, adirectional input unit is disposed in a center of a lower end of a rearsurface, in (or adjacent to) a right (or left) corner of such a lowerend, in a center of a upper end of a rear surface (see FIG. 5D), in (oradjacent to) a right (or left) corner of a upper end thereof (see FIG.5E), in a center of a right or left side thereof, in (or adjacent to) aupper (or lower) part of a side thereof, in at least two of suchlocations, in a combination of at least one of the above examples ofthis paragraph and at least one of such examples of the precedingparagraph (see FIG. 5F), or the like.

Referring to FIGS. 5G to 5I, a directional input unit (22) isimplemented into various portions of an edge (or a side) of a terminal(when placing a terminal with its front surface up). For example, adirectional input unit may be disposed along a right (or left) edge of aterminal (see FIG. 5G), along a top (or bottom) edge, in at least twoportions along the same edge, in at least two portions along twoadjacent edges, along at least two portions of opposing sides(see FIG.5H), in a combination of at least one of such examples of this paragraphand at least one of such examples of the two preceding paragraphs(seeFIG. 5I), or the like.

Referring to FIGS. 5J and 5K, a terminal includes a touch screen-typedisplay unit and a directional input unit is provided as a GUI or a softbutton which is displayed on the display unit. For example, a softbutton or a GUI for a directional input unit (22) of FIG. 5J has acircular shape and disposed in a center of a lower portion of thedisplay unit, while a directional input unit (22) of FIG. 5K has arectangular shape and also disposed in the center of the lower portionof the display unit.

Depending upon the configuration and mechanism of such a touch screen, adisplay unit [1] may provide the soft button or GUI (22) in a fixedlocation, or [2] may change the position of such directional input units(22). When feasible, an entire (or at least a substantial) portion ofthe touch screen may be utilized as the directional input unit (22) aswell.

In contrary to the above examples where a user provides all (user)sub-inputs to a single portion of a directional input unit, the inputunit may include a 1^(st) portion capable of acquiring UI_(SEL) and atleast one 2^(nd) portion for acquiring other (user) sub-input such as,e.g., UI_(THEN), UI_(ACT), or UI_(SWI). A user may provide UI_(SEL) andat least one another (user) sub-input by, e.g., concurrently pressing,contacting, touching or otherwise manipulating at least one portion of asingle input unit.

As used herein, such manipulations of the preceding paragraph by a usermay be deemed to be a single user input, for [1] a terminal does notexecute any step of making any determination while a terminal isacquiring such multiple (user) sub-inputs, [2] a user does not have tomove such portions while a terminal is acquiring such multiple (user)sub-inputs, or the like. Other manipulations by a user which satisfyeither [1] or [2] of this paragraph are also included in a definition ofa single user input.

Alternatively, a user may provide a single user input by a manipulationof at least one portion of a directional input unit and then by addingan additional concurrent or continuing manipulation such, e.g., [1]continuing or holding the manipulation for (or beyond) a certain period,[2] sliding or moving such a portion of a directional input unit whilecontinuing or holding such manipulation but without detaching a userbody part from the portion of the directional input unit, or the like. Aterminal may recognize the additional manipulation as [1] an additional(user) sub-input of the same user input, or [2] an additional user inputwhich may include at least one additional (user) sub-input.

It is appreciated that [1] a manipulation of such holding or [2] amanipulation of such moving while such holding may also be deemed as asingle user input, as long as such holding and moving satisfy the above[1] or [2] of the preceding paragraph. Alternatively, such holding andmoving may be deemed as a single user input as long as such moving andsuch holding overlap each other in at least one clock cycle of aterminal (or its CPU member).

4-5. Configuration 1—Software Elements and Variations

In another exemplary embodiment of the first exemplary aspect of thisdisclosure, a directional input unit may receive a single user input ormultiple (concurrent or sequential) user inputs, and concurrentlyacquire multiple (user) sub-inputs one of which is UI_(SEL). To thisend, a terminal may recruit various software elements thereof in varioussequences.

In one example, a terminal displays various screens on its display unitdepending on different arrangements. Once powering on, waking up, orswitching modes, a terminal may display a lock screen when a terminalstarts to operate in a lock mode, may instead display a home (or unlock)screen when a terminal starts to operate in an unlock mode, or maydisplay a different default screen when a terminal starts to operate inan intermediate mode, where a terminal may grant the most accessauthority to an unlock mode but the least authority to a lock mode.

A terminal may display an identical lock, home or default screen when aterminal is to start in the lock, unlock or intermediate mode,respectively. A terminal may instead select a lock, home or defaultscreen from multiple lock, unlock or default screens, respectively, andthen display the screen when a terminal starts to operate in arespective mode.

Therefore, a terminal may display different lock, home or defaultscreens whenever a terminal starts in the respective mode. In addition,a terminal may obtain a lock, unlock or default screen from thosescreens which have been pre-stored in its memory member, from anexternal memory unit, or from a website.

In another example, a terminal may run at least one authenticationoperation for authenticating a user using various prior artauthentication algorithms which check various biometric features of auser, passwords, non-user information, or the like, as have beendescribed above. In one case, a terminal completes turning on a displayunit before completing to run an authentication operation. In this case,a terminal may display a lock screen on a display unit.

When a user fails such authenticating, a display unit may continue todisplay a lock screen or may turn off a display unit. When a user passessuch authenticating, a display unit may [1] remove a lock screen anddisplay a home screen, [2] replace a lock screen with a home (or unlock)screen, [3] overlay a home screen on top of a lock screen, or the like.

When a terminal runs a selecting operation, a terminal may [1] display alock screen and then replace the lock screen with outcomes or resultsobtained by running a selecting operation or by running a selectedoperation, or [2] overlay such outcomes or results over the lock screen.However, when a terminal may complete such authenticating beforecompleting to turn on a display unit, a terminal may continue to displaya lock screen and then display the outcomes obtained from suchauthenticating. When a terminal runs a selecting operation, a terminalmay not display a screen at all (i.e., keep a display unit turned off)and directly display results obtained from such selecting (i.e., resultsobtained from running a selecting operation or, when desirable, fromrunning a selected operation).

In another example, a terminal may concurrently or sequentially run anactivation operation and run a selecting operation. When a terminal maycomplete an activation operation (i.e., turning on) before completing torun a selecting operation, a terminal may display a lock screen while orafter such turning on (or may instead keep a display unit turned off).Alternatively, a terminal may keep its display unit turned off until itcompletes to run a selecting operation. Upon completing running aselecting operation, a terminal may then [1] replace a lock screen byresults obtained by running a selecting operation, [2] turn on a displayunit and display the results obtained by running a selecting operation,[3] keep its display unit turned off until a terminal completes to run aselected operation, or the like. However, when a terminal fails toacquire UI_(SEL) after running the selecting operation (e.g., due to anincorrect or undefined UI_(SEL)), a terminal may [1] continue to keepits display unit turned off, [2] turn off its display unit which hasalready been turned on, [3] continue to display a lock screen on adisplay unit, [4] replace a lock screen with a home screen when aterminal has already authenticated a user as an authorized user, or [5]overlay a home screen or other default screens over a lock screen.

When a terminal runs an authentication operation, a terminal may displaya lock screen and replace a lock screen with an outcome which isobtained from such authenticating or from running a selecting operation.As a result, detailed sequences of such turning on (running anactivation operation), such selecting (running a selecting operation) orsuch authenticating (running at least one authentication operation) mayvary, depending on various needs of a user or various configurational oroperational characteristics of a terminal, as have been describedhereinabove and as will be provided hereinafter.

In another example, a terminal may concurrently or sequentially performsuch turning on operation as well as selected operation, where aprerequisite for running the selected operation is that a terminalsuccessfully finishes to run the selecting operation and that, as aresult, a terminal successfully identifies at least one operation to runwhen a terminal powers on, wakes up, or switch modes, from a set ofmultiple pre-selected operation based on UI_(SEL). When a terminalcompletes such turning on before it finishes to run the selectedoperation, a terminal may display a lock screen after such turning on(or may keep a display unit turned off). A terminal may instead keep itsdisplay unit turned off until it complete to run the selected operation.Upon completing running the selected operation, a terminal may [1]replace a lock screen with results obtained by running the selectedoperation, [2] turn on a display unit and display such results obtainedfrom running the selected operation, or the like.

It is appreciated that a terminal may adopt a difference sequence ofoperations when a terminal has already authenticated a user beforecompleting to run the selected operation. First of all and as describedabove, a terminal may display a home screen when a terminal fails toacquire UI_(SEL) after running a selecting operation, for the user isanyway an authorized user who has not been careful in providing acorrect UI_(SEL) or one of pre-selected UI_(SEL)'s. A user may thenprovide an additional user input, e.g., to a desired GUI or icon whichis displayed on a touch screen-type display unit and then run a desired,selected operation. As exemplified here and above, detailed sequences ofsuch turning on, such selecting, or such authenticating may also vary,depending upon various needs of a user, configurational or operationalcharacteristics of a terminal, or the like, as explained above and aswill be provided hereinafter.

Still referring to FIG. 3, when a terminal receives a user input andalso acquires UI_(SEL) therefrom, a terminal may run (or start to run) aselecting operation as described in (step 017). Concurrently with or(immediately) after running the selecting operation, a terminal may turnon its display unit, run an authentication operation, or the like, whilekeeping its display unit turned off, or displaying at least one screenthereon, as described above.

It is appreciated that a terminal which operates according to anexemplary sequence of FIG. 3 may run at least one selected operationdepending upon the outcome obtained from running an authentication,e.g., a terminal runs at least one selected operation after havingcompleted running a selecting operation and having selected or locatedwhich operation to run from a set of multiple pre-selected operations,only when a user passes such authenticating. When a user fails suchauthenticating, however, a terminal may not run any selected operation.In this respect, a terminal exemplified in FIG. 3 may be deemed tocondition the “running a selected operation” upon an outcome fromrunning an authentication operation. In addition, a terminal maycondition the “running (or starting to run) the selected operation” orsuch “turning on operation” upon different instances such as, e.g., [1]after a certain operation starts to run, [2] when a certain operation iscompleted, or the like. Following FIGS. 6A and 6B show other exemplaryoperational sequences where a terminal conditions the “running aselected operation” upon other timings or events.

FIG. 6A shows an exemplary operational sequence of a mobilecommunication terminal which is a variation of that of FIG. 3, where aterminal still concurrently acquires multiple (user) sub-inputs, andwhere a user can run at least one selected operation when a terminalpowers on, wakes up, or switches modes. As shown in FIG. 6A, a terminal(or a directional input unit) first concurrently acquires UI_(THEN),UI_(ACT), and UI_(SEL) (steps 011, 013, and 015). In response toUI_(ACT), a terminal turns on a display unit (step 030). Once a displayunit is turned on, a terminal runs a selecting operation (step 017) toidentify which operation a user desires to run in response to UI_(SEL).That is, a terminal may condition such selecting upon such turning on.It is appreciated that a terminal may complete acquiring UI_(SEL) beforeit finishes turning on a display unit. To this end, a terminal or itsdirectional input unit may store UI_(SEL) therein or in a memory membertemporarily or permanently, and then retrieve UI_(SEL) to run aselecting operation after it completes such turning on.

FIG. 6B shows another exemplary operational sequence of a terminal whichis a variation of that of FIG. 3 as well, where a terminal stillconcurrently acquires multiple (user) sub-inputs and where a user runs aselected operation when a terminal powers on, wakes up, or switchesmodes. As shown in the figure, a terminal receives UI_(THEN), UI_(ACT),and UI_(SEL) (steps 011, 013, and 015) concurrently, similar to that ofFIG. 6A. However, a terminal first receives UI_(SEL) but runs aselecting operation only after running (or completing) an authenticationoperation. That is, only after a terminal completes the authenticating,a terminal or a directional input unit locates which one of a matchinglist (e.g., a set of multiple pre-selected operations) to run when aterminal powers on, wakes up, or switches modes in response to UI_(SEL).Therefore, a terminal or a directional input unit may have to storeUI_(SEL) therein or in a memory member temporarily or permanently.

In another example, other optional operations or steps may be added tothe exemplary flow chart depicted in FIG. 3. In one case, various stepsmay be inserted to generate visual, audible, or tactile notice signals,and to inform a user of receiving a (single) user input or (multiple)(user) sub-inputs, where such a step may be added between [1] (step 010)and one of (steps 011, 013, or 015), [2] one of (steps 011, 030, or 017)and (step 040), [3] (step 013) and (step 030), [4] (step 015) and (step017), or [5] (step 030) and (step 040). It is appreciated that suchadditional steps still do not require a user to provide anynon-concurrent and additional user input, do not require a user todetach his or her body part (or non-user object) from a portion of adirectional input unit while providing a single user input or multipleconcurrent user inputs, or the like, and that such additional steps donot correspond to any step to make any determination, to run differentoperations based upon such a determination, or the like.

In another case, various steps may be added to render various hardwareor software element ready before a terminal receives a user input, i.e.,between (step 000) and (step 010). For example, a terminal may render asensor to run an authentication operation ready upon or after sensingvarious preset events such as, e.g., [1] a presence of a user nearby,[2] a certain movement (e.g., a gesture) of a user body part whichapproaches a terminal, [3] a distance to a user which decreases or whichis less than a threshold value, [4] a certain gesture of a user, or thelike. Even though these additional step may make a determinations, sucha step is performed after (step 000) but before (step 010), i.e., beforea terminal receives a single user input, and before it acquires at leastone (user) sub-input therefrom. Therefore, a terminal operating in asequence with the additional step(s) may still concurrently acquiremultiple different (user) sub-inputs from a single user input ormultiple concurrent user inputs.

In another case, at least one more step may be added between (step 010)and one of (steps 011, 013 or 015) to generate visual, audible, ortactile notice signals, and to inform a user that [1] a terminal hasreceived a user input(s), [2] a terminal has acquired a certainUI_(SEL), [3] a terminal has received multiple (user) sub-inputs, or thelike. Using such notice signals, a terminal may also inform a user thata terminal is about to run a certain selected operation based onUI_(SEL). It is appreciated that the above additional steps still do notrequire a user to provide a non-concurrent additional user input, and donot require a user to detach his or her body part (or a non-user object)from a movable or stationary portion of a directional input unit. Inaddition, these additional steps do not require a terminal to make adetermination and running operations based upon the determination.

Other steps may be also added to the exemplary sequence of FIGS. 3, 6A,and 6B, however, a terminal or a directional input unit may acquireUI_(SEL) from a single user input or multiple concurrent user inputs.Therefore, as long as a terminal may concurrently acquire multiple(user) sub-inputs without requiring a user to detach his or her bodypart (or a non-user object) from a portion of a directional input unit,without having to make at least one determination, or without having toreceive non-concurrent additional user inputs, such a terminal canoperate according to a different sequence which may require [1]modifications of the exemplary sequence of FIG. 3, [2] additions ofcertain steps to the sequence, or [3] deletion of certain steps from thesequence.

Configurational or operational variations (or modifications) of variousmobile communications terminals and their directional input unitsdescribed in this first exemplary aspect may be interchangeable suchthat a certain feature of one example of this first aspect may also beapplied to another example of the same aspect. Other configurational oroperational features, variations or modifications of such terminals andinput units of this first exemplary aspect [1] may apply to, [2] may beincorporated into, [3] may replace, [4] may be replaced by, or [5] maybe combined with corresponding features of other exemplary aspects ofthis disclosure, subject to certain modifications, additions, omissions,or the like, each of which is apparent based on detailed context of thisexemplary aspect or other exemplary aspects.

5. Configuration 2—Authenticating for Turning on

In the second exemplary aspect of this disclosure, an exemplary mobilecommunication terminal may include similar directional input unit aswell as similar hardware and software elements as that of the firstexemplary aspect of this disclosure. Therefore, a terminal includes atleast one output member and at least one input member, where the outputmember may include at least one display unit capable of displayingvisual signals thereon, and at least one speaker capable of generatingsound signals, while an input member may include at least onedirectional input unit therein.

5-1. Configuration 2—Overall

In one exemplary embodiment of the second exemplary aspect of thisdisclosure, a mobile communication terminal includes various hardwareelements and software elements. Accordingly, like the one exemplified inFIGS. 2A and 2B, a mobile communication terminal of this second aspectincludes at least one CPU member (30), at least one input member (20),at least one memory member (40), at least one output member (50), orother optional members. More particularly, the input member may includea directional input unit as its sole input unit, or the input member mayinclude at least two input units one of which is the directional inputunit. It is appreciated that details of such members and units aresimilar or identical to those corresponding members of a terminal of thefirst aspect and, therefore, are omitted.

5-2. Configuration 2—Operation and Sequences

In another exemplary embodiment of the second exemplary aspect of thisdisclosure, a directional input unit may be implemented into a mobilecommunication terminal in different configurations and arrangements.FIG. 7 shows exemplary operational sequences of a mobile communicationterminal which operates according to this embodiment and which includesa directional input unit so that a user can run a selected operationwhen a terminal powers on, wakes up, or switches modes.

As shown in (step 000), a terminal is in its sleep mode or in itsoff-state. Upon receiving a single user input (or multiple concurrentuser inputs) from a user (step 010), a directional input unit similarlyacquires multiple (user) sub-inputs such as UI_(THEN) and UI_(SEL)concurrently (steps 011 and 015), but not UI_(ACT). It is appreciatedthat a single user input (or multiple concurrent user inputs) includestherein other sub-inputs (e.g., UI_(SWI)) but does not include anactivation (user) sub-input (UI_(ACT)), for a terminal of this secondexemplary aspect conditions such turning on upon a user authenticationoperation. That is, a terminal may keep its display unit turned off whena user does not pass such authenticating, regardless of which one ofmultiple UI_(SEL)'s a user may provide to a directional input unit.

Of course, a directional input unit may be configured to acquireUI_(ACT) for various purposes such as, e.g., for turning on a displayunit in cases which are not directly related to such authenticating, forimproving accuracy of operations through redundant arrangements, or thelike. In addition, such turning on in this second aspect may beconditioned upon running a selecting operation such that, e.g., aterminal may turn on its display unit when it selects or locates whichone of multiple pre-selected operations to run (i.e., when a terminalcompletes running a selecting operation), or when it finishes runningthe selected operation.

Still referring to FIG. 7, a terminal (or its directional input unit)may concurrently acquire UI_(SEL) and UI_(THEN) in various ways. Forexample, a terminal may acquire both UI_(SEL) and UI_(THEN) from asingle user input. Accordingly, a terminal [1] does not require a userto detach his or her body part (or a non-user object) from a stationaryor movable portion of a directional input unit, [2] does not require anynon-concurrent additional user input from a user, or [3] does notperform any step of making a determination or a comparison, or the like.

It is appreciated that sliding, swiveling, or otherwise manipulating acertain portion of a directional input unit without detaching a userbody part (or a non-user object) from the input unit during themanipulating is deemed to be a single user input within the scope ofthis disclosure. In addition, concurrently manipulating at least twoportions of a single directional input unit without detaching a userbody part (or a non-user object) from the directional input unit duringsuch manipulating is similarly deemed as a single user input. Moreover,concurrent manipulation of at least two portions of multiple input units(at least one of which is a directional input unit) without detaching auser body part (or a non-user object) from a directional input unitduring such manipulating is also deemed as the single user input.Furthermore, a user may provide such a single user input in a differentmanner which has been described hereinabove.

After concurrently acquiring UI_(SEL) and UI_(THEN), a terminal runs aselecting operation (step 017). As described above, a terminal consultsa matching list which matches multiple UI_(SEL)'s with multiplepre-selected operations. Accordingly, the selecting operation is toselect or identify at least one operation (from the matching list) whichmatches UI_(SEL) provided by a user. A terminal may run (or start torun) a selecting operation in various selecting timings as describedabove. A terminal may run multiple authentication operationsconcurrently or sequentially as explained in the first exemplary aspect.It is appreciated that the matching list may be constructed based on a1-to-1 matching between each of multiple UI_(SEL)'s and each of multipleUI_(THEN)'s, in a 1-to-n matching, in a m-to-1 matching, or in a m-to-nmatching.

A terminal may then run (or start to run) an authentication operation(step 040) in various instances such as, e.g., concurrently with or(immediately) after such receiving or acquiring, or concurrently with or(immediately) after running a selecting operation. In one example, aterminal retrieves pre-stored authentication information, comparesUI_(THEN) with such information (i.e., a comparing step), and thendetermines whether UI_(THEN) or another authentication information(which is included in or extracted from UI_(THEN)) may match thepre-stored information. As a result, a terminal generates an outcome ofrunning an authentication operation as a “pass” (or “yes”), a “fail” (or“no”), or the like (i.e., a “determining step”).

When a user fails the authenticating, a terminal keeps its display unitturned off (step 055). In the alternative, a terminal may automaticallyturn on a display unit and inform a user of the failure. A terminal mayinstead generate an audible or tactile notice signal to inform a user ofthe failure using a notice unit as will be described below. In thealternative, a terminal may turn on a display unit only when a userprovides a user input [1] for a period longer than a threshold period,[2] with a force stronger than a threshold magnitude, [3] along acertain pre-selected path, or the like.

However, when a user passes such authenticating, a terminal advances to(step 061), and checks whether an operation which is located from thematching list based on UI_(SEL) matches “Operation 1” which is one ofsuch pre-selected operations included in the matching list. When theanswer is “yes” (i.e., when UI_(SEL) matches a selected operation), aterminal then runs Operation 1 (step 071). Thereafter, a terminal maydisplay results obtained by running Operation 1 on a display unit (step081). It is appreciated that a terminal may turn on its display unit(immediately) before or concurrently with the comparing step or adetermining step, and display a lock screen on a display unit.Thereafter, a terminal replaces the lock screen with an outcome obtainedfrom running Operation 1. Alternatively, a terminal may keep a displayunit turned off, and then turn on the display unit when a terminalperforms (or starts to perform) the comparison or determining step,while displaying a screen which informs a user that Operating 1 is beingprocessed. In another alternative, a terminal may keep a display unitturned off, and may then turn on a display unit while displaying resultswhich ate obtained from running Operation 1.

When the answer is “no” (step 061), a terminal advances to (step 063)and checks whether or not an operation identified from the matching listbased on UI_(SEL) matches “Operation 2” which is another of suchpre-selected operations. A terminal may keep a display unit in variousstates in this step as well. For example, a terminal may keep itsdisplay unit turned off until it completes to run Operation 2. Aterminal may instead turn on a display unit and display a lock screen,with an optional message informing a user that Operation 2 is underprogress. Once completing to run Operation 2, a terminal may thenreplace a lock screen with results obtained from running Operation 2.When UI_(SEL) does not match Operation 2, a terminal may advance to(step 065) while repeating the above steps.

When UI_(SEL) does not match Operation 3, a terminal advances to (step090), and may take a remedial action, because a user has providedUI_(SEL) which does not match any of the pre-selected operationsincluded in the matching list. A terminal may take one or more remedialactions. For example, a terminal may keep a display unit turned off anddo nothing or, alternatively, may inform a user of a failure in locatinga matching operation by generating a visual, audible or tactile noticesignal with a notice unit. Of course, a terminal may have to turn on adisplay unit in order to provide the visual notice signal.

Even though a user may not have provided a correct UI_(SEL), the userhas passed such authenticating anyway. Therefore, a terminal may turn ona display unit and display a lock screen, with or without delivering anynotice signal. Alternatively, a terminal may turn on a display unit andstart to operate in an unlock mode, as a current use has already beenauthenticated or when a user authenticating may not be necessaryanymore. In such a case, a user who failed to run a desired operationduring a powering-on or waking-up sequence of a terminal may manipulatea GUI or an icon displayed on a display unit, thereby manually runningthe desired operation by providing at least one additional user input.

As discussed above, a major difference between such terminals of thefirst and second exemplary aspects is that the terminals of the latteraspect conditions such “turning on a display unit” [1] upon an outcomeobtained by running a user authentication operation, or [2] (optionally)upon selecting an operation desired by a current user when a terminalpowers on, wakes up, or switches modes. Accordingly, a terminal of thissecond aspect does not need to acquire UI_(ACT) in a single user inputor multiple concurrent (user) sub-inputs.

5-3. Configuration 2—Hardware Elements and Variations

In another exemplary embodiment of the second exemplary aspect of thisdisclosure, a directional input unit may receive a single user input ormultiple (concurrent or sequential) user inputs, and to concurrentlyacquire multiple (user) sub-inputs, while recruiting various hardwareelements of a terminal. Followings are a few exemplary configurationsand sequences of driving such hardware elements.

In one example of this exemplary embodiment, a terminal may receive auser input and concurrently acquire multiple (user) sub-inputs such asUI_(SEL) and UI_(THEN), but not necessarily UI_(ACT). Accordingly, adirectional input unit includes a 1^(st) sensor for acquiring UI_(SEL)and a 2^(nd) sensor for acquiring UI_(THEN), where such sensors may beincorporated into the input unit, while an authentication sensor may beoptionally included in another input unit which may not be directional.When a terminal needs another (user) sub-input so as to run anadditional operation, an additional sensor may be incorporated into adirectional input unit or another input unit when available.

In another example of this exemplary embodiment, a directional inputunit may receive a single or multiple user inputs, while concurrentlyacquiring at least two (user) sub-inputs. Of course where a terminalincludes a 1^(st) directional input unit and a 2^(nd) non-directionalinput unit and where the 2^(nd) input unit acquires UI_(THEN) and the1^(st) input unit only acquires UI_(SEL), such a configuration may beregarded as an exception to an example of the above paragraph. In theperspective of a terminal, however, a terminal still concurrentlyacquires multiple (user) sub-inputs as long as such 1^(st) and 2^(nd)input units are concurrently manipulated by a user. Accordingly, as longas a terminal recognizes a type or a nature of each of such multiple(user) sub-inputs, a content of each of such (user) sub-inputs, or apresence (or an absence) of such (user) sub-inputs in the received userinput, a terminal (or its directional input unit) can concurrentlyacquire both UI_(SEL) and UI_(THEN). It then follows that a terminal mayconcurrently run (or start to run) a selecting operation and at leastone authentication operation.

However, a terminal may not necessarily start to run a selectingoperation and an authentication operation at the exactly same instance(e.g., the same clock cycle) for many reasons such that, e.g., differenthardware elements for each operation may have a different period to beactivated, or a different operation or execution period. In addition, aterminal may not necessarily finish to run a selecting operation and anauthentication operation at the exactly identical instance (e.g., thesame clock cycle) either. Accordingly, running a selecting operation andrunning an authentication operation may be completed at differentinstances (e.g., different clock cycles), even when a terminal mayconcurrently acquire both UI_(SEL) and UI_(THEN) at the same instance(e.g., the same clock cycle or overlapping in such a clock cycle).

In another example of this exemplary embodiment, a directional inputunit includes at least one portion which is or which includes a sensorfor acquiring UI_(SEL). A directional input unit may also include atleast one another portion which is or includes at least one sensor foracquiring UI_(THEN) or other sub-inputs. A directional input unit mayfurther include multiple portions with each of which a user may providea user input or a (user) sub-input. Thus, a user may concurrentlyprovide UI_(SEL) to a 1^(st) portion and UI_(THEN) to a 2^(nd) portion.Other configurations for enabling a user to concurrently providemultiple (user) sub-inputs and to provide a single user input of the1^(st) type to the 5^(th) type have been described above and, therefore,are omitted here for illustration purposes.

Such directional input units may be incorporated into various locationson or around a terminal, where details are identical or similar to thoseof the terminal of the first exemplary aspect. In addition, when adisplay unit is a prior art touch screen, a terminal may provide thedirectional input unit thereon as a GUI or an icon, where details areidentical or similar to those of the terminal of the first exemplaryaspect.

5-4. Configuration 2—Software Elements and Variations

In another exemplary embodiment of the second exemplary aspect of thisdisclosure, a directional input unit may receive a single user input ormultiple concurrent user inputs, or to concurrently acquire multiple(user) sub-inputs, while recruiting various software elements (e.g.,software applications) of a terminal in various sequences.

In one example when a directional unit does not receive UI_(THEN) atall, (step 011), (step 040) and (step 055) of FIG. 7 may be omitted.Accordingly, a terminal runs a selecting operation concurrently with or(immediately) after receiving a user input or acquiring UI_(SEL). It isappreciated that, even without acquiring UI_(THEN), a terminal mayindirectly authenticate a user. For example, a terminal may set up adirectional input unit in such a way that it may be tricky for anunauthorized user to provide a valid UI_(SEL), unless he or she mayprecisely know how to manipulate the input unit. Accordingly, a terminalmay require a user to provide UI_(SEL) [1] only along a pre-selectedpath, [2] by pressing a portion of the input unit for a certain periodof time, [3] by pressing a portion of the input unit with a certain bodypart but not with another body part, [4] by providing a certain gesture,or the like.

In another example and as described in FIG. 8, a terminal may firstacquire UI_(SEL) but may only run (or start to run) a selectingoperation after a terminal completes running at least one authenticationoperation. Therefore, a directional input unit (or a terminal) maylocate or select at least one operation to run as the terminal powerson, wakes up, or switches modes, from a matching list based uponUI_(SEL) after a user is authenticated. In other words, a terminal ofthis example conditions the “running a selecting operation” upon the“running at least one authentication operation” (or completing to runthe authentication operation). Therefore, a directional input unit or aterminal may have to store UI_(SEL) therein or in a memory membertemporarily or permanently for a later use.

In another example, after locating which operation to run from amatching list, a terminal may run at least one selected operation andthereafter display results obtained from running such a selectedoperation. Accordingly, a terminal may display such results on a displayunit concurrently with or after turning on a display unit. Whendesirable, a terminal may turn on a display unit before completing torun a selected operation while displaying a lock screen or a home screenon the display unit, and then replace this initial screen with suchresults. In the alternative, a terminal may turn on a display unit aftercompleting to run the selected operation, whereby the terminal may nothave to display a lock screen on a display unit while waiting forcompleting to run the selected operation.

In another example, other optional operations or steps may be added toan exemplary sequence of FIG. 8. In one case, a terminal may perform atleast one step to generate an audible, visual, or tactile notice signalfor informing a user of receiving a user input or acquiring (user)sub-inputs, where such step(s) may be inserted between [1] (step 010)and (step 011 or 013), [2] (step 011 or 017) and (step 040), or [3](step 015) and (step 017), where such additional steps [1] do notrequire a user to detach a user body part (or a non-user object) from aportion of a directional input unit, [2] do not require a user toprovide any non-concurrent additional user input to a terminal, or [3]do not correspond to any step for making a comparison or determination,and then running different operations based on such a determination.

In another example, a terminal may insert at least one step between(step 000) and (step 010), where such a step may be similar or identicalto that described in conjunction with the first exemplary aspect suchas, e.g., rendering an authentication sensor ready as described above.Such a step(s) may also be performed after (step 000) but before (step010), therefore, a terminal performing such an additional step(s) canconcurrently acquires at least two different (user) sub-inputs from asingle user input.

In another example, a terminal may insert at least one step between(step 010) and (step 011 or 015) so as to generate an audible, visual,or tactile notice signal with a notice unit in order to inform a user ofreceiving a user input or acquiring such (user) sub-inputs. It isappreciated that those additional steps [1] do not require a user todetach a user body part from a portion of a directional input unit, [2]do not require a user to provide any non-concurrent additional userinput, or [3] does not correspond to a step of making a determination sothat a user still concurrently receives multiple (user) sub-inputs.

Further steps may be added to the sequence of FIG. 8, as long as adirectional input unit (or a terminal) may acquire UI_(SEL) from asingle user input or one of multiple concurrent (user) sub-inputs, [1]as long as a directional input unit (or a terminal) may concurrentlyacquire multiple (user) sub-inputs where one of such sub-inputs isUI_(SEL), [2] as long as a directional input unit (or a terminal) maynot have to perform any additional determination or comparison stepwhile the input unit (or a terminal) concurrently acquires all multiple(user) sub-inputs, or [3] as long as a directional input unit (or aterminal) may not require a non-concurrent additional user input whilethe input unit (or a terminal) acquires all of such multiple (user)sub-inputs. Therefore, other steps of the first or second exemplaryaspect of this disclosure may also be implemented into the exemplarysequence of various terminals and directional input units of this secondaspect. In addition, other operations such as, e.g., such turning on orsuch selecting may be conditioned upon such authenticating or viceversa.

Configurational or operational variations (or modifications) of suchterminals described in various examples of this second exemplary aspectmay be interchangeable such that certain features of one example of thissecond aspect may be applied to another example of the same aspect.Other configurational or operational features, their variations ormodifications of this second exemplary aspect may also [1] apply to, [2]be incorporated into, [3] replace, [4] be replaced by, or [5] becombined with corresponding features of other exemplary aspects orembodiments of this disclosure as have been described above or as willbe described below, subject to certain modifications, additions, oromissions, each of which may become apparent based on detailed contextof this exemplary aspect or other exemplary aspects.

6. Configuration 3—No Authenticating

In the third exemplary aspect of this disclosure, an exemplary mobilecommunication terminal may include similar hardware and softwareelements as those of the first and second exemplary aspects of thisdisclosure, except that various terminals of this third aspect do notemploy any user authenticating. Like those of the first and secondaspects, an output member includes at least one display unit forgenerating visual signals as well as at least one speaker for generatingsound signals, and an input member includes at least one directionalinput unit.

6-1. Configuration 3—Overall

In one exemplary embodiment as well as third exemplary aspect of thisdisclosure, a mobile communication terminal includes various hardwareelements and software elements. Accordingly, like the one exemplified inFIGS. 2A and 2B, a mobile communication terminal of this third aspectincludes at least one CPU member (30), at least one input member (20),at least one memory member (40), at least one output member (50), orother optional members, where an input member may include [1] adirectional input unit as its sole input unit, or [2] at least two inputunits one of which is a directional input unit. It is appreciated thatdetails of such members and units are similar or identical to thosecorresponding members of a terminal of the first aspect and, therefore,are omitted.

6-2. Configuration 3—Operation and Sequences

In another exemplary embodiment of the third exemplary aspect of thisdisclosure, a directional input unit may be implemented into a mobilecommunication terminal in various configurations and arrangements whichmay be different from those of the first and second exemplary aspects.FIG. 9 exemplifies operational sequences of a mobile communicationterminal of the third exemplary aspect, where the terminal includes adirectional input unit in such a way that a user can render a terminalrun at least one selected operation when the terminal may power on, wakeup, or switches modes.

As depicted in (step 000), a terminal is in its off state. Uponreceiving a single user input (or multiple concurrent user inputs) (step010), a directional input unit may concurrently acquire at least two(user) sub-inputs such as, e.g., UI_(ACT) and UI_(SEL) (steps 013 and015) but not UI_(THEN). It is appreciated that a terminal of thisembodiment does not employ user authentication and, therefore, that auser input does not have to include UI_(THEN) therein. By concurrentlyacquiring both UI_(ACT) and UI_(SEL) from a single user input (ormultiple concurrent use inputs), a terminal does not require a user todetach a user body part (or a non-user object) from a portion of adirectional input unit during such acquiring, does not require a user toprovide any non-concurrent additional user input during such acquiring,or the like. In addition, a terminal does not have to perform anydetermination step or a decision-making step while a terminal acquiresUI_(ACT) and UI_(SEL).

A directional input unit may optionally acquire UI_(THEN) for variouspurposes such as, e.g., for authenticating a user before a user may [1]access a memory member (or sector) of a terminal, [2] drive a hardwareor software element of a terminal, or the like. However, these steps areonly optional features, and following examples are directed to varioussequences in which a terminal does not run any separate authenticationoperation.

Referring to (step 030), a terminal turns (or starts to) on a displayunit concurrently with, (immediate) after or within a certain periodafter receiving a user input or acquiring UI_(ACT) therefrom. Therefore,an exact instance (or a clock cycle) in which a user may be able to seeany screen in a display unit may be different [1] from an instance ofproviding a user input with UI_(ACT), [2] from an instance of acquiringUI_(ACT), [3] from an instance of a terminal to drive (or start todrive) a display unit, or the like. A terminal then displays a lockscreen on a display unit (step 050).

A terminal may then run a selecting operation (step 017) in one ofvarious selecting timings as defined above. To identify at least oneoperation from a set of multiple pre-selected operations as included ina matching list, a terminal matches the acquired UI_(SEL) with suchpre-selected operations. When a terminal locates at least one selectedoperation from the matching list, a terminal then compares whether aselected operation is Operation 1 (step 61). If the answer is “yes,” aterminal runs the selected Operation 1 (step 071), and then displaysresults obtained from Operation 1 on a display unit (step 081), while[1] replacing the lock screen with such results, or [2] overlaying suchresults on top of the lock screen. When the answer is “no,” a terminalmay advance to (step 063), where details of the rest of the steps aresimilar or identical to those of the first and second exemplary aspectsand, therefore, are omitted here.

6-3. Configuration 3—Hardware Elements and Variations

In another exemplary embodiment of the third exemplary aspect of thisdisclosure, a directional input unit may receive a single user input ormultiple concurrent user inputs, and concurrently acquire at least two(user) sub-inputs, while recruiting various hardware elements of aterminal.

In one example of this exemplary embodiment, a terminal concurrentlyacquires both UI_(SEL) and UI_(ACT) (from a single user input ormultiple concurrent user inputs). However, a terminal may not receive auser input which includes UI_(THEN) therein or may not acquire UI_(THEN)even when a user input includes UI_(THEN) therein. Therefore, adirectional input unit includes a sensor capable of acquiring UI_(SEL)and another sensor capable of acquiring UI_(ACT), but does notnecessarily include an authentication sensor. A directional input unitmay optionally include at least one additional sensor for acquiringUI_(THEN) or for acquiring UI_(AUX) which may be incorporated intoanother directional input unit, into another non-directional input unit,or into an add-on unit which serves as an additional input unit. In thislatter arrangement, a terminal may concurrently acquire both of UI_(SEL)and UI_(ACT) as well as UI_(THEN) or UI_(AUX) in order to guaranteeoptimum seamless operations.

In another example of this exemplary embodiment, a directional inputunit may receive a single user input or multiple concurrent user inputs,while concurrently acquiring at least two sub-inputs with a singledirectional input unit or with multiple input units one of which is adirectional input unit. As long as a terminal recognizes a type or anature of at least one of such (user) sub-inputs, contents thereof, or apresence or an absence of acquired (user) sub-inputs, a terminal (or itsdirectional input unit) may concurrently acquire UI_(SEL) and UI_(ACT),along with other optional (user) sub-inputs. It then follows that aterminal may concurrently run (or start to run) a selecting operationand an activation operation. However, a terminal may not concurrentlystart to run such an activation operation and selecting operation formany reasons such as, e.g., different hardware elements may requiredifferent activation periods. Therefore, a terminal may not finishacquiring such UI_(SEL) and UI_(ACT) or may not start to run a selectingoperation and an activation operation at the exactly identical instance(e.g., the same clock cycle). By the same token, a terminal may notfinish running an activation operation and selecting operation at thesame instance for the similar reasons as well.

In another example of this exemplary embodiment, a directional inputunit may include a portion which is or which includes a sensor forsensing UI_(SEL) and at least one portion which may be or may include asensor for sensing UI_(ACT). A directional input unit may be included invarious locations on a terminal, where such locations may be similar oridentical to those of the terminals of the first or second exemplaryaspect. Therefore, a directional input unit may be disposed on a frontsurface of a terminal (when positioning a terminal with its frontsurface up), on a rear surface thereof, or on a side edge thereof. Whena display unit is a prior art touch screen, a terminal may provide adirectional input unit on a display unit as a GUI or as an icon, wheredetails of such input units are similar or identical to those of theterminals of the above first or second exemplary aspect and, therefore,are omitted here.

When a user provides all (user) sub-inputs to (a single portion of) adirectional input unit or when a directional input unit includes a1^(st) portion for acquiring UI_(SEL) and at least one 2^(nd) portionfor acquiring UI_(ACT), a user may concurrently provide UI_(SEL) andUI_(ACT) as well as at least one another (user) sub-input as describedabove in conjunction with those terminals of the first or second aspectof this disclosure.

6-4. Configuration 3—Software Elements and Variations

In another exemplary embodiment of the third exemplary aspect of thisdisclosure, a directional input unit may receive a single user input ormultiple concurrent user inputs and concurrently acquire at least two(user) sub-inputs, while recruiting various software elements of aterminal.

In one example and as exemplified in FIG. 9, a terminal turns on adisplay unit (step 030), and then displays a lock screen thereon. Moreparticularly, when a terminal completes to turn on a display unit beforecompleting to run a selecting operation, a terminal may display a lockscreen as described in the first aspect. In another example, when aterminal completes to turn on a display unit before completing to run aselected operation, a terminal may display a lock screen on a displayunit until it may finish to run a selected operation and may identify aselected operation from a matching list based on UI_(SEL).Alternatively, a terminal may display a lock screen and display resultsobtained from running a selecting operation. To this end, a directionalinput unit may acquire all required (user) sub-inputs (e.g., UI_(SEL) orUI_(ACT), and optionally UI_(THEN)) concurrently, although a terminalmay run (or start to run) such turning on or such selecting eitherconcurrently or sequentially (without any temporal overlap therebetween,but optionally with a temporal gap therebetween).

In another example where a directional input unit (or a terminal)receives a single user input including UI_(SEL), a terminal may run (orstart to run) a selecting operation in one of various selecting timings.

Other optional operations or steps may be added to an exemplary sequenceof FIG. 9. For example, at least one step may be inserted for generatingvisual, audible, or tactile notice signals for informing a user ofreceiving a user input or acquiring multiple concurrent (user)sub-inputs, where such step(s) may be inserted between [1] (step 010)and (step 013 or 015), [2] (step 030 or 017) and (step 040), [3] (step013) and (step 030), [4] (step 015) and (step 017), [5] (step 030) and(step 040), or the like. It is appreciated that such additional steps[1] do not require a user to detach any body part (or a non-user object)from a stationary portion or a movable portion of a directional inputunit while a terminal acquires UI_(SEL) and UI_(ACT), [2] do not requirea user to provide any non-concurrent additional user input, or the like.In addition, such additional steps do not correspond to any step formaking a comparison or determination and then for running differentoperations based on such a comparison or determination.

At least one more step may also be inserted between (step 000) and (step010). For example, a terminal may render a sensor for running anactivation operation ready upon or after sensing a preset event such as,e.g., [1] a presence of a user within a certain distance, [2] a certainmovement of a user indicating that a user is approaching a terminal orgoing to provide a user input, or [3] a gesture of a user designated torender the sensor ready. Even though this additional step may make adetermination or comparison, it is appreciated that such a step isperformed after (step 000) but before (step 010), i.e., before receivinga single user input from a user. Therefore, a terminal including suchadditional step(s) still receives a single user input or multipleconcurrent user inputs, while concurrently acquiring multiple different(user) sub-inputs.

Additional steps may also be inserted between (step 010) and (step 013or 015) for making a visual, audible, or tactile notice signal forinforming a user of receiving a user input or of acquiring multiple(user) sub-inputs. It is appreciated, however, that such additionalsteps do not require a user [1] to detach a body part from a portion ofa directional input unit, [2] to provide any non-concurrent additionaluser input, or the like. In addition, such additional steps do notinclude a comparison or determination step and then running operationsbased upon such a determination, or the like. Accordingly, such aterminal may still be able to concurrently acquire multiple (user)sub-inputs.

It is appreciated that some examples of this third exemplary aspectrelate to a terminal which turns a display unit on, displays a lockscreen, and thereafter displays different images (e.g., results obtainedby running a selecting operation, other results obtained by running aselected operation, a home screen, or the like). In addition to changingthe already displayed images with new images when a terminal finishes torun a selecting operation or selected operation, a terminal may run atleast one authentication operation and change such images based on theresults of such authenticating when desirable. It is appreciated in thislatter arrangement that a user may have to provide a non-concurrent,additional user input including UI_(THEN) for such authenticating.

Configurational or operational variations (or modifications) of themobile communication terminals described in various examples of thisthird exemplary aspect may be interchangeable such that certain featuresof one example of this third aspect may be applied to another example ofthis third aspect. Other configurational or operational features, theirvariations or modifications of this third exemplary aspect may also [1]apply to, [2] be incorporated into, [3] replace, [4] be replaced by, or[5] be combined with corresponding features of other exemplary aspectsor embodiments provided in this disclosure, subject to certainmodifications, additions, or omissions, each of which may becomeapparent based on detailed context of this exemplary aspect or otherexemplary aspects.

7. Configuration 4—Type-1 Directional Input Unit

In the fourth exemplary aspect of this disclosure, an exemplary mobilecommunication terminal may include a directional input unit whichincludes “at least one movable portion” and which is to be referred toas a “type-1 directional input unit” hereinafter. A user may contact,touch, press or otherwise manipulate such a portion in a substantiallyhorizontal direction (or laterally), by applying a user input force (orsimply a force) which is at least substantially in a lateral orhorizontal direction, with or without including an optional angularcomponent, thereby providing a single user input which includes multiple(user) sub-inputs or thereby providing multiple concurrent user inputswhich also include multiple (user) sub-inputs. This type-1 directionalinput unit may be implemented into any of such mobile communicationterminals throughout this disclosure, unless otherwise conflicted.

It is appreciated that this type-1 directional input unit receives auser input which is embodied by a user input force, and that such forcetypically induces a movement of at least a (or an entire) portion of adirectional input unit. However, this does not necessarily mean that adirectional input unit has to include a movable portion at all. Rather,a type-1 directional input unit may include at least one portion whichmay deform to a certain extent. Alternatively, the type-1 directionalinput unit may not include any movable portion at all, as long as suchan input unit may monitor a user input force or monitor at least onestatic or dynamic feature associated with such a user input force.

It is also appreciated that, as a directional input unit acquires more(user) sub-inputs, a terminal may provide a user with more seamlessoperations. Accordingly, a directional input unit (or an input memberwhich may in turn include an additional non-directional input unit) mayinclude as many sensors as possible to concurrently acquire as many(user) sub-inputs as possible, thereby running as many multiple seamlessoperations as possible. As a result, a terminal may also run (or startto run) as many operations as possible concurrently or sequentially, allin response to a single user input or multiple concurrent user inputswhich include therein multiple (user) sub-inputs at least one of whichis UI_(SEL).

As will be provided in greater detail below, a type-1 directional inputunit of this fourth exemplary aspect may typically include [1] at leastone “press-ID element” for acquiring UI_(SEL), optionally along withUI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN), [2] at least one “directional element” foracquiring UI_(SEL), or the like. More particularly, a press-ID elementof a type-1 directional input unit may serve as a movable portion of thedirectional input unit in such a way that a user may move a press-IDelement and delivers UI_(SEL) thereto.

7-1. Type-1 Directional Input Unit—Overall

In one exemplary embodiment of this fourth exemplary aspect, a mobilecommunication terminal includes at least one directional input unitwhich receives a single user input or multiple concurrent user inputs,which is capable of acquiring three (user) sub-inputs from such a userinput, and which generate three control signals each representing each(user) sub-input. FIGS. 10A and 10B exemplify a type-1 directional inputunit which can concurrently acquire multiple (user) sub-inputs such as,e.g., UI_(SEL), UI_(ACT), and UI_(THEN), along with other optionalsub-inputs.

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary “press-ID element”capable of acquiring an activation (user) sub-input (UI_(ACT)) as wellas an authentication (user) sub-input (UI_(THEN)). An exemplary press-IDelement (23) is typically button-shaped and includes a layered structurewhich includes, e.g., a protective layer (23A), a detection ring (23B),a fingerprint sensor (23C), a tactile sensor (23D), or the like. Apress-ID element (23) can acquire UI_(SEL) when assembled into adirectional input unit as will be described in detail in FIG. 10B below.It is appreciated that an exemplary press-ID element (23) described inFIG. 10A is specifically tailored to run a fingerprint authenticationoperation.

A protective layer (23A) provides a mechanical resistance such as, e.g.,a scratch- or impact-resistance to a press-ID element (23) and,therefore, may include or may be made of sturdy materials such as, e.g.,a sapphire crystal. A dimension of a protective layer depends upon thatof a directional input unit, for a press-ID element (23) is to bemovably disposed inside a body of a directional input unit. Any materialwith minimum mechanical strengths may be used to form a protective layer(23A), although at least partly transparent material may be favored toenhance performance of other layers of the element (23) or aesthetics ofa directional input unit as a whole.

A detection ring (23B) serves to detect a presence or absence of a userwithin a certain distance therefrom, with a contact with a user orwithout any contact at all. This layer (23B) may include or may be madeof metals or alloys such as, e.g., stainless-steel. Upon detecting apresence of a user, a detection ring (23B) may activate anauthentication sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor), and render thesensor start to read a fingerprint (or start to acquire UI_(THEN))disposed in a certain distance therefrom. Because the detecting ring(23B) serves to monitor an instance (or a clock cycle) when adirectional input unit renders an authentication sensor ready, adirectional input unit may not necessarily include this detection ring(23B) when a directional input unit may monitor the instance (or theclock cycle) using another sensor such as, e.g., [1] a prior artproximity sensor, [2] a prior art motion sensor, or the like. Inaddition, when a terminal authenticates a current user not based uponhis or her fingerprint but based upon other biometric information suchas, e.g., an iris or a retina, a voice, or the like, a directional inputunit may not necessarily include such a detection ring (23B) either.

A fingerprint sensor (23C) serves to read a fingerprint (UI_(THEN))based upon various prior art mechanisms such as, e.g., [1] obtaining animage of a fingerprint, [2] assessing a fingerprint based on changes inconductance around the sensor, or the like. For an optimum operation,the fingerprint sensor (23C) may need a resolution of, e.g., 500 nm, 400nm, 300 nm, 200 nm, 150 nm, 100 nm, 75 nm, 50 nm, or the like.Similarly, depending on required resolution, the fingerprint sensor(23C) may have a resolution of, e.g., 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700,800, 900, or 1,000 pixels per inch. When desirable, a fingerprint sensor(23C) may read epidermal skin layers or (optionally) sub-epidermal skinlayers. It is appreciated that such prior art fingerprint sensors whichare specifically enumerated in this paragraph and which are also suitedfor this purposes are readily available and, accordingly, detailedconfigurational or operational characteristics of such sensors areomitted here.

Still referring to the fingerprint sensor (23C), a user may touch apress-ID element (23) without any pressing, any pushing or otherwiseapplying any user input force thereto. In other words, a user mayliterally contact or touch at least a portion of a press-ID element (23)without pressing or pushing it at all. A fingerprint sensor (23C) maystill read a fingerprint and acquire UI_(THEN) from a finger of a userwho may only touch or contact the sensor (23C), e.g., by monitoringelectric conductance of (or related to) a finger, by sensing temporal orspatial changes in such conductance, or the like.

In addition, even when a user places a finger close to a press-IDelement (23) without contacting or touching it, some prior artfingerprint sensors (23C) may still be able to read a fingerprint, andacquire UI_(THEN), e.g., by sensing electric conductance of (or relatedto) a finger, by sensing changes in such conductance, by acquiring animage of a finger from a distance, or the like. In other words, apress-ID element (23) of this exemplary aspect as well as a touch-IDelement of a next exemplary aspect does not necessarily require anapplication of a force thereto, or does not necessarily require anycontact or touch therewith.

A tactile sensor (23D) serves to sense application of an activation userinput force applied thereon by a user or an activation (user) sub-input(UI_(ACT)). A press-ID element (23) may recruit various prior arttactile sensors (23D) such that a sensor (23D) moves when pushed orpressed, or that the sensor (23D) does not move in response to such aforce but still monitors such a (user) sub-input.

When a user presses or pushes a press-ID element (23), a tactile sensor(23D) senses a force or a pressure applied thereto, and acquiresUI_(ACT), whether or not the press-ID element (23) (or a directionalinput unit) may move or deform. A tactile sensor (23D) may instead sensea displacement of a press-ID element (23) (or a directional input unit),and acquire UI_(ACT) therefrom. A tactile sensor (23D) may be replacedby a motion sensor or a proximity sensor which may acquire UI_(ACT) froma presence or absence of a user (or a user body part), from a movementof at least a portion of a press-ID element (23), or the like. Moreparticularly, a tactile sensor (23D) may sense a touch or contact by auser, without having to monitor user input force or pressure appliedthereon, without resulting in any movement or deformation, or the like.That is, a terminal may recruit other sensors to monitor UI_(ACT) suchas, e.g., by sensing a motion of a press-ID element, by acquiring andanalyzing an image of a press-ID element and a body part of a user (or anon-user object), or the like.

It is appreciated that an exemplary press-ID elements (23) of FIG. 10Amay include such layers (23B), (23C), (23D) in an order different fromthat of the figure. Therefore, a tactile sensor may be disposed directlyunder a protective layer or a fingerprint sensor may be disposed over adetection ring. It is also appreciated that some layers (23B), (23C),(23D) of FIG. 10A may be disposed concentrically with each other sothat, e.g., a detection ring may enclose a tactile sensor therearound(or vice versa), a protective layer may be enclosed by a detection ring,or the like. In this concentric arrangement, one layer may encloseanother layer at the same elevation in a height of a press-ID element,particularly when disposing such multiple layers proximate to each otherdoes not pose any interference problem. When it does, however, suchlayers may be disposed at different elevations while maintaining theirconcentric arrangement. It is also appreciated that at least one of suchlayers (23B), (23C), (23D) of FIG. 9A may rather be implemented not intoa press-ID element but into a directional element details of which areto be described below.

FIG. 10B shows an exemplary directional input unit capable of acquiringan activation (user) sub-input (UI_(ACT)), an authentication (user)sub-input (UI_(THEN)), a selecting (user) sub-input (UI_(SEL)), or thelike. As in the figure, an exemplary directional input unit (22)includes a press-ID element (23) at least a substantial portion of whichis enclosed by a directional element (24), where the former element (23)may acquire UI_(ACT) and UI_(THEN) as discussed in conjunction with FIG.10A, whereas the latter element (24) acquires UI_(SEL). A directionalinput unit (22) also includes at least one pair of opposing electricalcontacts (23E), (24E) which are disposed in each of the elements (23),(24), at least one elastic element (24F) disposed between and abuttingthe elements (23), (24), or the like.

A press-ID element (23) in FIG. 10B is identical to that of FIG. 10A andalso includes multiple electrical contacts (23E) which are disposedaround its outer periphery, e.g., around an outer surface of a tactilesensor (23D). In this exemplary press-ID element (23), such electricalcontacts (23E) are spaced apart from each other at equal distances orabout equal angles. A press-ID element (23) is then disposed inside adirectional element (24) while defining a gap therebetween. Therefore, apress-ID element (23) can move in response to a user input (or a userinput force applied by a user) until a press-ID element (23) eventuallyabuts an inner surface of a directional element (24), thereby allowing auser to move the former element (23) to a certain extent.

A directional element (24) includes a stationary body (24B) which isshaped as an annular cylinder defining an open top and a closed bottom.As a result, the directional element (24) defines an internal cavity inwhich a press-ID element (23) movably sits. A directional element (24)also include at least one elastic element (24F) which is typically acompression spring and which couples with opposing surfaces of apress-ID element (23) and a directional element (24). An elastic element(24F) is also configured so that a press-ID element (23) in a “reststate” or a “rest position” thereof is disposed away from a directionalelement (24) and, as a result, does not contact a directional element(24) at all. However, as a user pushes or translates a press-ID element(23) away from its rest position, a press-ID element (23) moves ortranslates to a “biased state” or a “biased position” thereof, and theneventually makes a mechanical, electrical or optical contact with atleast a portion of a directional element (24).

It is appreciated that an elastic element (24F) may be deemed to be in a“rest state” or a “rest position” thereof when a press-ID element (23)is in its rest state, while deemed to be in a “biased state” or a“biased position” thereof when a press-ID element (23) is in its biasedstate. An elastic element (24F) in its biased state may be compressedwhen such an element (24F) is a compression spring which is compressedfrom its resting length. Alternatively, the elastic element (24F) in itsbiased state may be extended when the elastic element (24F) is rather atension spring which is stretched beyond its resting length. In eithercase, the elastic element (24F) in a biased state generates a recoilforce which is typically proportional to such compression or stretchingand which tends to regress itself to its rest state. Therefore, when auser ceases to apply a user input (i.e., a user input force applied by auser), an elastic element (24F) returns to its rest state due to itsrecoil force, while returning or recoiling a press-ID element (23) backto its rest state therealong.

A directional element (24) also includes multiple electrical contacts(24E) which are disposed along an edge of an inner periphery at equaldistances (in a lateral direction) or about equal angles (in an angulardirection), e.g., along an inner edge of a stationary body (24B). Suchelectrical contacts (24E) are disposed away from opposing electricalcontacts (23E) at certain distances when a press-ID element (23) is inits rest state. Such contacts (24E) are also configured to electricallycontact opposing electrical contacts (23E) when a press-ID element (23)is in its biased state. That is, when a press-ID element (23) istranslated or otherwise pushed by a user input in a certain direction,the electrical contacts (23E), (24E) of such elements (23), (24)mechanically or electrically contact each other and form a closedelectrical pathway. It is appreciated that a movable press-ID element(23) exemplified in FIG. 10B may move horizontally (in a lateraldirection) with respect to a vertical axis of a directional input unit(22). Therefore, the electrical contacts (23E), (24E) may be positionedtypically along vertical edges or surfaces of a press-ID element (23)and a directional element (24). However, when a movable press-ID element(23) moves up and down vertically, such electrical contacts (23E), (24E)may be positioned in such a configuration that they may be spaced awayfrom each other when a press-ID element is in its rest state but thatthey contact each other when the press-ID element is in its biasedstate.

In operation, a manufacturer, a distributor or a user selects in advancemultiple operations which a user may want a terminal to run when aterminal powers on, wakes up, or switches modes. That is, amanufacturer, a distributor, or a user of a terminal prepares a set ofmultiple pre-selected operations in a matching list, where examples ofsuch pre-selected operations correspond to Operation 1, Operation 2, andOperation 3 in FIGS. 3, 7, and 9.

As a user provides a single user input (or multiple concurrent userinputs) to a terminal which is in its off-state, a user applies a userinput by pressing a press-ID element (23) which is (or has been) in itsrest position with respect to a directional element (24). Immediatelybefore a user provides a single user input, he or she moves a fingertoward a press-ID element (23). When a user's finger approaches adirectional input unit (22) in a certain distance, a detection ring(23B) senses a presence of a user and activates a fingerprint sensor(23C) to be ready for acquiring UI_(THEN). By contacting and pressing apress-ID element (23), a user provides a single user input to adirectional input unit (22). More particularly, when a user pushes apress-ID element (23) at an angle, a horizontal component of a userinput force translates or slides the press-ID element (23) toward adirectional element (24) in a horizontal direction, whereas a verticalcomponent of a user input force applies downwardly and presses apress-ID element (23).

While a user presses a press-ID element (23), a fingerprint sensor (23C)acquires UI_(THEN), while a tactile sensor (23D) acquires UI_(ACT). Inaddition, as a user slides a press-ID element (23), e.g., toward anupper-left quadrant or along a northwest direction, until a press-IDelement (23) mechanically or electrically contacts a directional element(24), the electrical contacts (23E), (24E) of such elements (23), (24)which are disposed, e.g., in the same quadrant or in the same direction,come to contact each other. Based thereon, a directional input unit (22)acquires UI_(SEL) and then generates a unique control signal whichsignifies the acquired UI_(SEL). That is, a terminal may have matched orassigned UI_(SEL-1), UI_(SEL-2), UI_(SEL-3), and UI_(SEL-4) with suchmechanical or electrical contacts formed in an upper-left quadrant, anupper-right quadrant, a lower-left quadrant, and a lower-right quadrant,respectively.

Therefore, a directional input unit (22) can concurrently acquiremultiple (user) sub-inputs, UI_(ACT), UI_(THEN), and UI_(SEL), withoutrequiring a user to detach his or her body part from a press-ID element(23), without requiring a user to provide an additional non-concurrentuser input to a directional input unit or another input unit of aterminal, without having to run any comparison or determinationoperation, or the like.

Upon acquiring such multiple (user) sub-inputs, a terminal or itsdirectional input unit may generate as many control signals eachrepresenting each of such multiple (user) sub-inputs. For example, whensuch electrical contacts (23E), (24E) of the press-ID and directionalelements (23), (24) form an electrical connection in one of fourquadrants, a terminal regards this as running a messenger operation andgenerate a 1^(st) control signal. To the contrary, when such contacts(23E), (24E) forms another electrical connection in another quadrant, aterminal regards this as running a camera operation and generate a2^(nd) control signal which is different from a 1^(st) control signal.In this regard, a directional input unit of FIG. 10B can make fourdifferent control signals in response to four different electricalconnections formed between its press-ID element (23) and its directionalelement (24). As a result, a user may pre-select four operations fromall operations which a terminal may run, include those four pre-selectedoperations in the matching list described above, and assign differentUI_(SEL)'s to each of the pre-selected operations. A terminal may thenrun one of such four different pre-selected operations while or(immediately) after it powers on, wakes up, or switches modes, basedupon UI_(SEL) which has been provided by a user, particularly on adirection of a user input or a user input force.

A terminal may concurrently run (or start to run) such turning on,authenticating and selecting. In the alternative, a terminal may run atleast one of such operations not concurrently with the rest thereof.That is, a terminal may run at least one of such turning on,authenticating, and selecting, after a terminal runs (or starts to run)another of such operations (e.g., in different clock cycles).Accordingly, even when a terminal may concurrently acquire UI_(ACT),UI_(THEN), and UI_(SEL), a terminal may [1] concurrently run (or startto run) such turning on, such authenticating, and such selecting, [2]concurrently run (or start to run) only two of such operations, whilerunning the last operation thereafter, or the like. A terminal may also[1] concurrently finish to run all of such operations, [2] concurrentlyfinish to run two of such operations and then complete the last one(e.g., in different clock cycles), [3] finish each of the aboveoperations in different instances (e.g., in different clock cycles) witha temporal overlap therebetween, or the like.

A directional input unit may also include a different press-ID elementor directional element which may have different configurations, whichmay interact with each other in different arrangements, or which mayoperate according to different sequences, or the like.

7-2. Modifications or Variations of Press-ID Elements

A protective layer may include or may be made various materials as longas they provide proper mechanical resistance to abrasion, shock, or thelike, as long as they provide appropriate transparency, as long as theyprovide appropriate electrical or electromagnetic properties enough notto adversely affect or to interfere with other layers of a press-IDelement such as a detection ring, fingerprint sensor, tactile sensor, orthe like. In addition, a detection ring may operatively couple with afingerprint sensor and, therefore, a detection ring may be modified tothe extent that it may be compatible with a fingerprint sensor. As aresult, a terminal may use a prior art sensor or actuator for activatinga corresponding conventional fingerprint sensor. When desirable, apress-ID element may not include any detection ring or its equivalentswhen a fingerprint sensor may automatically activate itself, when such asensor may be activated by another portion of a press-ID element, when aterminal conditions an authentication operation upon another operationnot related to an authentication operation, when a terminal does notemploy a user authenticating, or the like.

A fingerprint sensor may be similarly modified as well. For example, anyprior art authentication sensor other than a fingerprint sensor may beused, although its detailed implementation or operation may depend uponits mechanism and on biometric features which are required for such userauthenticating. As shown in FIG. 10A, a fingerprint sensor may be bestimplemented into a press-ID element. However, other prior artauthentication sensors for an iris, retina or face authentication, for avoice authentication, or the like, may be implemented inside, on, orexternal to a press-ID element, as long as it is appropriate for such asensor to receive a single user input (or multiple concurrent userinputs) or to acquire an appropriate (user) sub-input.

A terminal may use any conventional tactile sensor to detect pressing bya user, touching or contacting by a user, or the like. The tactilesensor may be configured in various ways to detect such manipulation bya user. For example, a terminal may set up a certain threshold force orthreshold displacement, and may monitor a force applied to a press-IDelement, sense a gap distance between a press-ID element and adirectional element, measure a length of an elastic element, or thelike. As a result, any user input which is accompanied by a force belowthe threshold or which results in a displacement of a directionalelement less than the threshold is not counted as a correct user input,not counted as a correct selecting (user) sub-input, or the like.

Similarly, a terminal may also set up a certain threshold force formaking electrical connections between such electrical contacts of apress-ID element and a directional element. A terminal may control thethreshold force or displacement in various ways, e.g., [1] byincorporating elastic elements with different spring constants, [2] bydefining gaps of different dimensions (by adjusting shapes or sizes ofsuch elements), or the like. Therefore, a terminal may enable a user tomake electrical connections with different magnitudes of the inputforces, e.g., more easily in an upper-left quadrant than in alower-right quadrant, or the like. That is, a user [1] may move apress-ID element more easily in one direction to supply UI_(SEL1) thanin other directions to supply others such as UI_(SEL-2), UI_(SEL-3), andUI_(SEL-4), [2] may translate a press-ID element in a shorter distanceor about a smaller angle in one direction to supply UI_(SEL1) thanothers such as UI_(SEL-2), UI_(SEL-3), and UI_(SEL-4), or the like.

A directional input unit or its press-ID element or its directionalelement may define various shapes and sizes, and may be assembled invarious arrangements, orientations or configurations, as long as adirectional input unit can concurrently acquire such multiple (user)sub-inputs from a single user input (or multiple concurrent userinputs). However, it is appreciated that a compact press-ID element or acompact directional input unit is typically favored than a bulky elementor unit, for a mobile communication terminal itself is getting compactor such a terminal tends to incorporate therein more and more hardwareelements.

In addition, a protective layer or another top layer of a press-IDelement may be configured to be flat so that a user has to apply a userinput (or an input force) not vertically but at an angle such that apress-ID element may move not only move in a vertical direction due to avertical component of the force but also in a lateral or horizontaldirection due to its horizontal component. Alternatively, a top layer ofthe press-ID element may be configured to be non-flat or contoured suchthat, when a user vertically presses such a top layer, a forcevertically applied by a user thereto automatically acts in bothhorizontal and vertical directions, whereby the vertical component ofthe user input activates a tactile sensor, while a horizontal componentthereof slides a press-ID element toward a directional element, therebyproviding UI_(SEL).

A press-ID element may have overall layer configurations or arrangementsdifferent from that exemplified in FIG. 10B. In one case, not all layershave to be deposited one over the other. For example, at least a portionof a detection ring or a fingerprint sensor may be exposed on a topsurface of the press-ID elements, i.e., a top surface exposed to anexterior may be occupied by a portion of a detection ring or by anotherportion of a fingerprint sensor in a vertical arrangement.Alternatively, some layers may be disposed laterally or side by side, aslong as such an arrangement does not adversely affect intended functionsof each of such layers. In addition, such layers may also be disposed ina combination of such vertical and lateral arrangements. That is, exactdimensions of such multiple different layers and implementationarrangements are generally within a scope of one of ordinary skill inthe relevant art.

7-3. Modifications or Variations of Directional Elements

In another exemplary embodiment of this fourth exemplary aspect, aterminal may allow a user to provide a certain UI_(SEL) moreconveniently than other UI_(SEL)'s, e.g., by providing a greater area(e.g., a greater length, a greater width, a wider angle, or the like)capable of forming an electrical connection between the electricalcontacts of a press-ID element and a directional element. Alternatively,a terminal may allow a user to provide a 1^(st) sub-input moreconveniently than other sub-inputs, e.g., by disposing a sensor foracquiring a 1^(st) sub-input in a position on or around a terminal whichis more easily accessible to a user than others. Following descriptionrelates to various examples in which a user may supply UI_(SEL-1) moreeasily than the rest of UI_(SEL)'s.

As described above, a directional element of FIG. 10B makes fourdifferent electrical connections, where each electrical contact of thepress-ID element and the directional element has the same configurationand is also spaced apart from others at an equal distance or angle.However, a directional element, along with a press-ID element, may makevarious electrical connections defining different extents.

FIG. 10C shows another directional input unit capable of acquiringUI_(ACT), UI_(THEN), and UI_(SEL), where a terminal provides UI_(SEL-1)with more contact access than other two UI_(SEL)'s such as UI_(SEL-2)and UI_(SEL-3). For example, a directional element (24) includes threeelectrical contacts, where one contact (24E1) is longer (or spans over awider angle) than other two contacts (24E2), (24E3). Similarly, apress-ID element (23) also includes three electrical contacts, where onecontact (23E1) is longer than other two contacts (23E2), (23E3).Accordingly, when a user provides a selecting (user) sub-input, he orshe may more easily provide UI_(SEL-1) by contacting a pair of longer orwider electrical contacts (23E1), (24E1) than other two pairs.

This arrangement allows a user to more conveniently form an electricalconnection, e.g., by moving a press-ID element forwardly over a widerangle (or length). Therefore, a terminal may provide a user with anattractive option that a most widely used or most often used operationmay be matched to a control signal generated by an electrical connectionbetween the longer electrical contacts (23E1), (24E1). That is and inthe perspective of a user, he or she may assign the most often usedoperation to UI_(SEL-1) which is provided simply by bringing suchelectrical contacts (23E1), (24E1) disposed on a top quadrant to contacteach other and form an electrical connection.

Conversely, a user may also adjust a length or a width of an availablearea for an electrical connection that a least used operation may bematched or allocated to a pair of electrical contacts defining a minimumlinear or arcuate length or with a smallest arcuate angle. Similarly, aterminal may match or assign different areas of different electricalconnections which are formed by each pair of such electrical contacts todifferent linear or arcuate lengths or arcuate angles according to theirfrequency of use, or the like.

It is appreciated that a longer electrical connection (or a shorter one)may not necessarily require both of the electrical contacts of apress-ID element and a directional element to extend longer or to spanabout a wider angle. Rather, one electrical contact of either of suchelements may define a longer arcuate length or arcuate angle in order toprovide a greater area with a longer length or width, whereas anotherelectrical contact may only need to have a minimum length enough to forman electrical connection with a longer electrical contact. In thismanner, various electrical connections defining various length or anglesas well as dead angles (i.e., arcuate lengths or angles along or aroundwhich no electrical contact is provided and, therefore, no electricalconnection is formed) may be provided, e.g., by adjusting a number or alocation of such electrical contacts of a press-ID element and adirectional element.

A directional element of FIG. 10B or 10C may be shaped or sized tomovably hold or enclose therein an entire portion of a matching press-IDelement. Therefore, when a press-ID element defines a circular or ovalcross-section, a directional element may include a matching interior. Inaddition, when a press-ID element defines a different shape or size, adirectional element may have a matching shape or size or still define acircular or oval internal cross-section. Alternatively, across-sectional shape of a directional element does not have to matchthat of a press-ID element, for a directional input unit may allow auser to translate a press-ID element to move different lengths (orangles) to form an electrical connection and to deliver UI_(SEL) to suchan input unit.

In another exemplary embodiment of this fourth exemplary aspect, aterminal may allow a user to use only a certain range of a directionalinput unit to supply UI_(SEL) so that a user does not have to manipulatea press-ID element into each quadrant provided around a directionalelement or all 360° therearound. For example and contrary to theexamples of FIGS. 10A and 10B where the electrical contacts are formedaround entire portions of a press-ID element and a directional element,a directional input unit may include such electrical contacts around notan entire portion of the press-ID or directional element but only aselected portion thereof.

FIG. 10D depicts another directional input unit capable of acquiringUI_(ACT), UI_(THEN), and UI_(SEL), but a directional input unit defineselectrical contacts around only selected portions of such press-ID anddirectional elements. Therefore and as shown in the figure, adirectional element allows a user to move a press-ID element either in anorth-west direction or in a north-east direction. However, when a userprovides a user input in a south, east, south-west, or south-eastdirection, no electrical connection is formed, whereby a directionalinput unit cannot acquire any UI_(SEL). This arrangement may be viewedas a modification of those of FIGS. 10B and 10C, and may be useful inreducing an area which is occupied by a directional input unit upon asurface of a terminal.

7-4. Modifications or Variations for Reverse Arrangements

In another exemplary embodiment of this fourth exemplary aspect, adirectional input unit may be fabricated into a more compactconfiguration by reversing arrangements between a directional elementand a press-ID element. For example and contrary to various directionalinput units of FIGS. 10B to 10D where each directional element enclosestherein each press-ID element, a directional element may rather beenclosed by or placed inside at least a (or an entire) portion of apress-ID element.

FIG. 10E exemplifies a directional input unit capable of concurrentlyacquiring UI_(ACT), UI_(THEN), and UI_(SEL), but its directional elementis enclosed by or disposed inside a press-ID element. For example, adirectional input unit (22) also includes a press-ID element (23), adirectional element (24), or the like, where the former (23) defines aninternal cavity in which the latter (24) sits. Similar to those of FIGS.10B and 10C, a press-ID element (23) includes multiple electricalcontacts (23E) which, however, are implemented to an inner surfacethereof. Contrary to other exemplary embodiments as provided above, adirectional element (24) is rather disposed inside at least a portion ofa press-ID element and similarly includes multiple electrical contacts(24E) on its outer or exterior surface. In addition, a directional inputunit (22) may include at least one elastic element (24F) which maymechanically couple a press-ID element (23) to a directional element(24) and which recoils at least one mobile element of a directionalinput unit (22) into its rest state with its recoil force. To this end,such elastic elements (24F) are disposed between an inner surface of apress-ID element (23) and an outer surface of a directional element(24).

As a user supplies a single user input to a directional input unit (22)of a terminal in its off-state, a directional input unit (22) receivesthe user input(s), and concurrently acquires UI_(ACT) and UI_(THEN) withits tactile sensor and its authentication sensor. In response thereto, amovable press-ID element (23) moves toward one quadrant of a stationarydirectional element (24), and electrical contacts (23E), (24E) of suchelements (23), (24) formed in such a quadrant eventually contact eachother, thereby forming at least one electrical connection in such aquadrant. A directional input unit (22) then acquires UI_(SEL) basedupon a location of such a quadrant in which the electric contacts (23E),(24E) form the electrical connection. As a result, a directional inputunit (22) may concurrently acquire UI_(SEL) along with UI_(ACT) andUI_(THEN) (e.g., in the identical clock cycle or overlapping in theclock cycle). When a user provides multiple concurrent user inputs, sucha directional input unit (22) may still concurrently acquire at leasttwo (user) sub-inputs.

Because a press-ID element (23) encloses a directional element (24)therein, a press-ID element (23) is bigger than a directional element(24), although the former (23) may have a shape and size different fromthose of the latter (24), and a cross-section of the former (23) may bedifferent from that of the latter (24), as long as the former (23) mayenclose at least a portion of the latter (24) therein, and as long asthe latter (24) may move closer to and away from the former (23) inresponse to a user input. In one example, a cross-sectional shape (e.g.,a sagittal view) of a press-ID element (23) may be a triangle, arectangle, a square, a polygon, a circle, an oval, a portion of any ofthe above, a combination of at least two of the above, or the like,whereas a cross-sectional shape of a directional element (24) may beidentical to, similar to, or different from that of a press-ID element(23). Accordingly, shapes and sizes of a press-ID element (23) and thoseof a directional element (24) may be determined with respect to eachother as long as one element may move with respect to another, whilesuch elements form multiple electrical connections each denotingdifferent UI_(SEL)'s in response to a single user input (or multipleconcurrent user inputs).

A directional element (24) of a reversely-arranged directional inputunit (22) is typically configured stationary disposed inside a press-IDelement (23). A directional element (24) also mechanically couples witha press-ID element by at least one elastic element (24F), where theelastic element (24F) is in its rest (or unbiased) state when a userinput is not supplied thereto, whereas the elastic element (24F) movesto its biased state as a user input presses a press-ID element (23) in apreset direction at a certain angle. Once a user ceases to supply theuser input, the elastic element (24) moves to its rest state, whilemoving a press-ID element (23) back to its rest state as well.

As described above, a press-ID element (23) is mobile, while adirectional element (24) disposed in a press-ID element (23) isstationary. However, a directional element may be configured to bemobile, while a press-ID element may be configured to be stationary sothat it is the directional element which moves in response to a userinput, while staying inside the press-ID element. This arrangement maybe embodied in such a way that at least a portion of a directionalelement is exposed through a press-ID element, that a user provides auser input directly to such a portion of a directional element and,therefore, that a directional element moves in response to a user inputand with respect to a stationary press-ID element.

The reversely-arranged directional input unit (22) includes a press-IDelement (23) which encloses therein an entire portion of a directionalelement (24). Alternatively, at least a portion of a directional element(24) may be exposed through a press-ID element (23) as describedhereinabove. Other configurational or operational characteristics of areversely-arranged directional input unit are similar or identical tothose of a directional input unit of FIG. 10B, as long as such featuresmay take account of the fact that physical arrangements of an internalelement and an external element have been reversed.

7-5. Further Modifications or Variations

In another exemplary embodiment of this fourth exemplary aspect, variousdirectional input units of FIGS. 10A to 10E, their press-ID elements, ortheir directional elements may be modified without departing from aspirit or scope of such various units and elements. Followingdescription provides some examples of modifications or variationsthereof.

In one example, a directional input unit may acquire UI_(SEL) and mayselect or locate which one of multiple pre-selected operationscorresponds to such UI_(SEL) from the matching list as explained above.As shown in FIG. 9 (steps 061, 063, and 065), a terminal may run suchselecting or locating by various prior art algorithms such as, e.g., byperforming multiple “[if . . . then] comparisons” so that a terminal mayperform one comparison after another until a terminal may locate onepre-selected operation which matches UI_(SEL). A terminal may insteadperform at least one “[switch] statement” which may change a controlflow of a program execution via, e.g., a multi-way branch. As a result,a terminal may locate a selected operation more readily and efficientlythan by performing multiple “[if . . . then] comparisons.” A terminalmay perform multiple comparisons depending upon a nature of an O/S aswell. For example, when the O/S only permits a single tasking, aterminal may rely on the above steps to perform multiple comparisons.However, when an O/S permits a multiple-tasking, such a terminal mayperform the multiple comparisons in concurrency by time sharing.

In another example, a directional input unit may receive a single userinput or multiple concurrent user inputs such that a directional inputunit concurrent acquires multiple (user) sub-inputs including UI_(SEL)and, optionally acquiring one or both of UI_(THEN) and UI_(ACT). Inresponse thereto, a terminal runs (or starts to run) an activationoperation for turning on its display unit (based upon UI_(ACT)), may run(or start to run) at least one authentication operation (based onUI_(THEN)), may run (or start to run) a selecting operation (based onUI_(SEL)), may optionally run (or start to run) at least one auxiliaryoperation (based on UI_(AUX)), or the like.

However, a terminal may run all or at least some of such operations ofthe preceding paragraph concurrently or sequentially based on varioussequences. For example, a terminal may concurrently run (or start torun) all of such selecting, turning on, and authenticating. In anotherexample, a terminal may concurrently run (or start to run) [1] suchselecting and authenticating, and thereafter run such turning on, [2]such authenticating and turning on, and thereafter perform suchselecting, [3] such turning on and such selecting, and thereafter runsuch authenticating, or the like. A terminal may complete at least twoor all of such operations concurrently (e.g., the same clock cycle oroverlapping in a certain clock cycle), may complete all of suchoperations in different instances (e.g., in different clock cycles). Aterminal may also run (or starts to run) or finish at least two of suchoperations sequentially.

When a terminal does not authenticate a user, a terminal may run aturning on operation and run a selecting operation concurrently orsequentially in various sequences. For example, a terminal may [1]concurrently run such selecting and turning on, [2] run such selectingand then run such turning on, or [3] run such turning on and then runselecting. A terminal may complete at least two of such operations [1]concurrent with each other, [2] sequentially, or the like.

In another example, a terminal (or a user) may match multiple UI_(SEL)'swith multiple pre-selected operations in various arrangements such as,e.g., in a 1-to-1 matching, in a m-to-1 matching, in a 1-to-n matching,in a m-to-n matching, or the like. A terminal (or a user) may rathermatch multiple UI_(SEL)'s with multiple settings of a single operation,where such settings may relate to granting or denying an access to ahardware element of a terminal or where such settings may instead relateto granting or denying an access to its software element. In one casewhen a user wants to run a scheduling operation as a terminal powers on,wakes up, or switches modes, a terminal may establish multiple differentsettings so that, e.g., a user may [1] access all schedules and all datastored in a 1^(st) setting which corresponds to UI_(SEL-1), [2] accessonly those schedules related to personal or family matters in a 2^(nd)setting which matches with UI_(SEL-2), or [3] access onlybusiness-related schedules in a 3^(rd) setting which matches UI_(SEL-3).In another case when a user wants to run a word-processing operationwhen a terminal powers on, wakes up, or switches modes, a terminal maysimilarly establish multiple different settings such that, e.g., a user[1] may retrieve, edit, and store all documents and create a newdocument in a 1^(st) setting which corresponds to UI_(SEL-1), [2] mayretrieve, edit, and store all documents but cannot create a document ina 2^(nd) setting which corresponds to UI_(SEL-2), or [3] may onlyretrieve and view but cannot create or edit a pre-existing document in a3^(rd) setting which corresponds to UI_(SEL-3). That is, a terminal (ora user) may [1] match multiple UI_(SEL)'s with multiple pre-selectedoperations, or [2] match multiple UI_(SEL)'s with multiple features (oraccess authorities) of one pre-selected operation

In another example, a terminal may run multiple different authenticationoperations either concurrently or one at a time. Each of suchauthentication operations may determine whether or not a current userhas a proper access authority [1] to operate a terminal in a lock,intermediate, or unlock mode, [2] to drive a certain hardware orsoftware element, or the like. When a user is authorized, he or she maythen advance to an unlock mode and begin to operate a terminal therein.Otherwise, a terminal may keep a user in a lock mode or turn off itsdisplay unit. In this context, such an authentication operation may beviewed as an on-off type operation. Alternatively, an authenticationoperation may determine what kind of access authority or how much extentof access a user may have.

When a user is authorized, he or she may then access a certain modewhich a user intends or which a terminal may see fit. In a 1^(st) casewhere a terminal offers only two modes of operation such as, e.g., anunlock and lock mode, it is almost the same as the on-off type asexplained above. However, in a 2^(nd) example when a terminal may offermore than two modes of operation such as, e.g., a lock, intermediate,and unlock mode, a terminal may allow or deny a user to switch from acurrent mode to a new mode granted with more access authorities, to stayin a current mode, to switch to a different mode granted with lessaccess authorities, or the like.

In another example where a terminal authenticates a user, a terminal mayalso run at least one supplemental or alternative authenticationoperation which may authenticate other body parts of a user such as,e.g., an iris, a retina, a face, or another body part, or which mayauthenticate other non-biometric information such as, e.g., a password,a pass code, or the like. As explained above, a terminal may runmultiple authentication operations which checks identical or differentbody parts or non-biometric information to verify whether or not acurrent user has an access authority to switch from a current mode ofoperation to a new mode or to whom a terminal has to grant certainaccess authorities. A terminal may run a primary authenticationoperation and such supplemental or alternative authentication operationconcurrently or may run the primary authentication operation first andthen sequentially run such a supplemental or alternative authenticationoperation.

In another example, a terminal receives a single user input includingUI_(SEL) and UI_(THEN), which may optionally include UI_(ACT) orUI_(AUX). A terminal concurrently may acquire UI_(SEL) and UI_(THEN)through a directional input unit which receives an image includingtherein certain biometric information of a user such as, e.g., a retina,an iris, a face, or another body part and which acquires UI_(THEN)therefrom. Such an image may be generated to be viewable in variousfrequency ranges such as, e.g., visible light rays, UV light rays, IRlight rays, or laser. A directional input unit may instead sense aposition of an iris, a retina, a face or another body part, sense arelative position thereof with respect to a certain reference, sense itsmovement, sense a 2-D or 3-D path of such a movement, sense itsorientation, or the like, from which a directional input unit mayacquire UI_(SEL).

When such operations in the preceding paragraphs may be run when (orwhile) a display unit was (or has been) turned off, a directional inputunit may acquire [1] all of UI_(THEN), UI_(SEL), and UI_(ACT)concurrently, or [2] only UI_(THEN) and UI_(SEL) concurrently, whileacquiring UI_(ACT) before or after such acquiring by a directional inputunit or another input unit. When a terminal runs such operations while adisplay unit is (or has been) turned on, a directional input unit mayconcurrently acquire [1] both of UI_(THEN) and UI_(SEL), [2] all ofUI_(THEN), UI_(SEL), and UI_(ACT), or the like. The UI_(ACT) may be a2^(nd) activation (user) sub-input which is different from a 1^(st)UI_(ACT) and which turns on a display unit but controls various lightingfeatures of a display unit, where examples of such “lighting features”may include, but not limited to, an intensity, a color, a hue, acontrast, or other features of a screen displayed on a turned-on displayunit.

In another example, a terminal may run an alternative or supplementalauthentication operation by recruiting the identical, similar ordifferent hardware or software elements, by executing the identical,similar or different sequences or operational procedures as describedabove. In one case, a terminal may authenticate a user with at least oneimage of at least one user body part or non-user object which may bedesignated by a user (or terminal) as an authenticating object. Aterminal or a directional input unit may then acquire either or both ofUI_(THEN) and UI_(SEL) therefrom. A directional input unit may insteadacquire UI_(THEN) and UI_(SEL) from an absolute or relative position ofthe body part or object or from a movement thereof, by using a prior artposition sensor, a prior art motion sensor, or the like. A terminal mayauthenticate a user not by such images but by sounds which are in anaudible or inaudible frequency ranges, where such sounds may begenerated by a user (e.g., by his or her vocal cord or by other bodyparts), by a pre-selected non-user object, by an environment, or thelike, where a terminal or a directional input unit may acquire either orboth of UI_(THEN) and UI_(SEL) from such sounds by using a prior artmicrophone, another acoustic sensor, or the like

In another example where a terminal does not employ any authenticationoperation at all, a directional input unit or, more particularly, apress-ID element may not include any authentication sensor. In anotherexample where a directional input unit does not incorporate anyauthentication sensor, another non-directional input unit of the sameterminal may include such an authentication sensor.

In another example where such turning on a display unit is conditionedon either such authenticating or such selecting, a terminal does notneed to turn on a display unit upon receiving a single user input.Accordingly, a directional input unit or, more particularly, a press-IDelement may not include any tactile sensor. In this case, a terminal mayturn on a display unit after confirming a current user is an authorizeduser, selecting one pre-selected operation from the matching list, orthe like. In the alternative, when a directional input unit does notincorporate any tactile sensor, another input unit of the same terminalmay include such a tactile sensor.

7-6. Modifications or Variations in User Inputs

As described above, a single user input provided by a user typicallyincludes multiple (user) sub-inputs therein. In addition, many of suchsingle user inputs include therein or are accompanied by at least oneUI_(SEL), at least one UI_(THEN), at least one UI_(ACT), or the like.That is, a terminal receives a single user input including therein acertain number of (user) sub-inputs before powering on, waking up, orswitching modes, and runs the same certain number of operations while or(immediately) after such powering on, waking up, or switching modes.

It is appreciated that, when a terminal conditions certain operationsupon any of such three operations (e.g., such turning on,authenticating, and selecting), a terminal may run at least oneadditional operation other than such operations. For example, when aselected operation is an operation of assessing emergency situations andwhere a camera operation is conditioned upon the selected operation, aterminal runs the selecting, turning on, and authenticating, andconcurrently runs a camera operation after powering on, waking up, orswitching modes. In addition, even when a terminal concurrently acquiresUI_(SEL), UI_(THEN), and UI_(ACT), it may not necessarily run such threeoperations concurrently, particularly when one of such operations isconditioned upon another of such operations, details of which are to beprovided below.

In another exemplary embodiment of this fourth exemplary aspect, a usermay only provide a less number of (user) sub-inputs, while a terminalmay be configured to run a greater number of operations while (or after)a terminal powers on, wakes up, or switching modes. For example, a usermay provide a single user input which includes only two of such three(user) sub-inputs (i.e., UI_(SEL), UI_(THEN), and UI_(ACT)) or only oneof such sub-inputs. In addition, even when a user provides a single userinput including therein only two of such (user) sub-inputs, a terminalmay perform all three of such operations such as the turning on,authenticating, and selecting, either concurrently or sequentially.Alternatively, even when a user provides a single user input includingtherein only one of such (user) sub-inputs, a terminal may run at leasttwo of (or all three of) such operations, concurrently or sequentially.Alternatively, a user may provide at least two user inputs to at leasttwo input units concurrently, where one of multiple input units is adirectional input unit and where such user inputs include therein atleast one UI_(SEL), at least one UI_(THEN), and at least one UI_(ACT),where [1] all three (user) sub-inputs are included in a single userinput provided to a directional input unit, [2] UI_(SEL) and only one ofremaining (user) sub-inputs are included in a single user input providedto a directional input unit, or [3] only UI_(SEL) is included in asingle user input provided to a directional input unit. Within the scopeof this disclosure, a “simplified user inputs” refers to a user inputwith which a terminal can run a greater number of operations than anumber of (user) sub-inputs included in a single user input, when or(immediately) after the terminal powers on, wakes up, or switches modes.

A simplified user input is beneficial to a user, for a user simplyprovides a single user input but a terminal can run all necessaryoperations while (or after) powering on, waking up, or switching modes,whereby a user can enjoy more seamless operations to a greater extent. Asimplified user input is also beneficial to a manufacturer of terminal,for a manufacturer can cut down a cost of manufacturing a terminal aswell as may make a terminal more compact and portable.

A simplified user input may be embodied by various means such as, e.g.,[1] by utilizing a static feature or a dynamic feature of a user input(or a user sub-input) which is inherent therein, [2] by utilizing astatic feature or dynamic feature of a user input (or a user sub-input)which is intentionally added to such a user input, [3] by matching (orassigning) each of multiple static features or dynamic features of auser input (or a user sub-input) with (or to) each of multiple featuresof the hardware or software elements of a directional input unit, or thelike.

Following examples explain several representative examples of such userinputs, such directional input units, and terminals of the precedingparagraph, where disclosure is directed to a case where a terminalreceives a single user input from a user and where such a terminalutilizes various features of a simplified user input. It is appreciated,however, that similar configurations or operations may similarly applyto other terminals which concurrently receive multiple concurrent userinputs and, accordingly, details of the latter arrangement will beomitted herein.

7-6-1. Simplified Selecting and Activation (User) Sub-Inputs

In another exemplary embodiment of this fourth exemplary aspect, a1^(st) exemplary simplified user input may combine (or integrate)UI_(SEL) with UI_(ACT) (or vice versa). In other words, when a userprovides a terminal with the single simplified user input, a directionalinput unit acquires only one of UI_(SEL) or UI_(ACT). However, aterminal may run a selecting operation in response to UI_(SEL) (orUI_(ACT)) as well as may run an activation operation in response to thesame UI_(SEL) (or UI_(ACT)). In this regard, a terminal (or a user) maydeem UI_(SEL) and UI_(ACT) to be complementary to each other. In otherwords, a terminal may run a selecting operation which typically leads torunning at least one selected operation and, as a result, it is naturalto turn on a display unit after completing to run a selecting operationor completing to run a selected operation. Similarly, a terminal mayturn on a display unit which typically leads to displaying a screen on aturned-on display unit, where such a screen may include informationabout a status of running a selecting operation or running a selectedoperation.

Upon receiving a single user input including one of UI_(SEL) orUI_(ACT), a terminal runs (or starts to run) the selecting and turningon [1] concurrently with each other, or [2] sequentially. A terminal maymanipulate how to precisely turn on a display unit, e.g., by setting orcontrolling an intensity of light of a screen (i.e., a brightness), acontrast, a color, a hue or other characteristics of a screen of such adisplay unit (which is referred to as “lighting features” hereinafter).

More particularly, when a user provides a certain UI_(SEL) to run, e.g.,an emergency alarming operation which corresponds to a 3^(rd) operationfrom the matching list after a terminal powers on, wakes up, or switchesmodes, the terminal acquires UI_(SEL) and runs the 3^(rd) pre-selectedoperation. During this process, a terminal may turn on a display unit invarious timings such as, e.g., [1] concurrently with, (immediately)after, or within a certain period after acquiring UI_(SEL), [2]concurrently with, (immediately) after, or within a certain period oftime after running (or starting to run) a selecting operation, or [3]concurrently with, (immediately) after, or within a certain period afterrunning (or starting to run) the 3^(rd) selected operation.Alternatively, a terminal may run the selecting and then such turning onsequentially. That is, such turning on in this arrangement isconditioned upon such selecting (or vice versa, depending on detailedarrangements).

Alternatively, a terminal (or a user) may set up multiple UI_(ACT)'s sothat each UI_(ACT) renders a terminal turn on a display unit accordingto different lighting features and that each UI_(ACT) is also matchedwith each of at least two pre-selected turning on operations. Therefore,when a user provides a certain UI_(ACT), a terminal turns on a displayunit and runs one of multiple pre-selected operations which is matchedto UI_(ACT) in one of the above timings such as, e.g., [1] concurrentlywith, (immediately) after, or within a certain period after acquiringUI_(ACT), [2] concurrently with, (immediately) after, or within acertain period after running (or starting to run) such turning on, orthe like. A terminal may sequentially perform such selecting and thensuch turning on. Therefore, such selecting in this arrangement isconditioned upon such turning on (or vice versa depending upon detailedarrangement).

A terminal may also run such operations in other pairings as well, e.g.,[1] UI_(SEL) and UI_(ACT) are matched to a single pre-selected operationin a 2-to-1 matching, [2] multiple UI_(SEL)'s or UI_(ACT)'s are matchedto a single pre-selected operation in a m-to-1 matching, [3] one ofUI_(SEL) or UI_(ACT) is matched with at least two pre-selectedoperations in a 1-to-n matching, or the like. Accordingly, due to such1-to-1, m-to-1, or 1-to-n matchings, a terminal (or a user) may selectwhat kind of lighting features to use to run such turning on.

When desirable, a terminal may include at least one additional inputunit which may be identical to, similar to or different from adirectional input unit and may be used along with such a directionalinput unit. In addition, a terminal may receive a single user input ormultiple concurrent user inputs which include UI_(SEL) (or UI_(ACT)) aswell as UI_(THEN) such that a terminal may also run at least oneauthentication operation along with one of such operations describedabove. Accordingly, a terminal may still provide a user with seamlessoperations which may be simpler or more convenient-to-use.

7-6-2. Simplified Selecting and Authentication (User) Sub-Inputs

In another exemplary embodiment of this fourth exemplary aspect, a2^(nd) exemplary simplified user input may combine (or integrate)UI_(SEL) with UI_(THEN) (or vice versa). That is, when a user provides aterminal with a single simplified user input, a directional input unitacquires only one of UI_(SEL) or UI_(THEN). However, a terminal may runa selecting operation in response to UI_(SEL) (or UI_(THEN)) as well asrun an authentication operation in response to the same UI_(SEL) (orUI_(THEN)). In this regard, a terminal may deem UI_(SEL) and UI_(THEN)to be complementary to each other. That is, a terminal may run aselecting operation which typically leads to running a selectedoperation and, as a result, it is natural to check whether a currentuser has an access authority to run a selected operation by running anauthentication operation. Similarly, a terminal may run anauthentication operation and, when a user passes such authenticating, itis natural to run at least one selected operation which a user desiresto run once a terminal powers on, wakes up, or switches modes.

Upon receiving a single user input including one of UI_(SEL) orUI_(THEN), a terminal runs (or starts to run) the selecting and suchauthenticating [1] concurrently with each other, or [2] sequentially. Aterminal may manipulate how to precisely authenticate a user, e.g., byauthenticating a thumb, an index finger, or another finger of a user, byauthenticating an iris or a retina, by authenticating a face or anotherbody part, by authenticating a voice of a user, by authenticating amovement of a body part of a user or that of a non-user object, or thelike.

More particularly, when a user provides a certain UI_(SEL) to run, e.g.,an email operation which is listed as a 2^(nd) operation in the matchinglist when (or after) a terminal powers on, wakes up, or switch modes, adirectional input unit may acquire UI_(SEL) and may run a 2^(nd)pre-selected operation. During this process, a terminal may authenticatea user in various timings such as, e.g., [1] concurrently with,(immediately) after, or within a certain period after receiving a singleuser input or after acquiring UI_(SEL), [2] concurrently with,(immediately) after, or within a certain period of time after running(or starting to run) a selecting operation, [3] concurrently with,(immediately) after, or within a certain period after running (orstarting to run) a 2^(nd) selected operation, or the like. In thealternative, a terminal may run such authenticating and sequentially runsuch selecting. That is, such selecting in this arrangement isconditioned upon such authenticating (or vice versa depending upon thearrangement).

Alternatively, a terminal (or a user) may set up multiple UI_(THEN)'s,where each UI_(THEN) renders a terminal run a certain authenticationoperation out of multiple authentication operations and where, uponauthenticating the user, a terminal runs a certain selected operationwhich matches a certain UI_(THEN) or which matches a certainauthentication operation. That is, such selecting (or running onepre-selected operation) in this arrangement is conditioned uponUI_(THEN). In one case when a user puts a thumb onto a directional inputunit, the input unit acquires UI_(THEN-1) from his or her thumb. Uponauthenticating a user and after powering on, waking up, or switchingmodes, a terminal runs, e.g., a scheduling operation which matchesUI_(THEN-1) and is a 4^(th) operation from the matching list. In anothercase when a user puts an index finger onto a directional input unit, theinput unit acquires UI_(THEN-2). Upon authenticating a user and afterpowering on, waking up, or switching modes, a terminal runs, e.g., ane-mail operation which matches UI_(THEN-2) and is a 5^(th) operationfrom the matching list. During the above processes, a terminal may run acertain pre-selected operation which matches UI_(THEN-1) or UI_(THEN-2)in one of various timings such as, e.g., [1] concurrently with,(immediately) after, or within a certain period after acquiringUI_(THEN-1) or UI_(THEN-2), or [2] concurrently with, (immediately)after, or within a certain period after running (or starting to run) anauthentication operation. A terminal may also run such authenticatingand the selected operation sequentially, with or without forming anytemporal gap therebetween but without any temporal overlap therebetween.

As described above, a directional input unit may receive a single userinput, acquire one of multiple UI_(THEN)'s, and locate which one ofmultiple pre-selected authentication operations matches the acquiredUI_(THEN). Thus, the directional input unit can not only acquireUI_(THEN) but also estimate UI_(SEL) based thereon, thereby providingseamless operations to a user.

A terminal may run such selecting and authentication operations in othermatchings, e.g., [1] a single UI_(THEN) or UI_(SEL) is matched to asingle pre-selected operation, [2] multiple UI_(THEN)'s or multipleUI_(SEL)'s are matched to a single pre-selected operation, or [3] asingle UI_(THEN) or UI_(SEL) is matched to multiple pre-selectedoperations. Therefore, due to such 1-to-1 matching, m-to-1 matching,1-to-n matching, or m-to-n matching, a terminal (or a user) may selectwhat kind of authentication operations to run in order to run suchselecting.

When desirable, a terminal may include at least one additional inputunit which may be identical to, similar to or different from adirectional input unit and may be used along with the directional inputunit. A terminal may receive a single user input or multiple concurrentuser inputs which include one of UI_(THEN) (or UI_(SEL)) as well asUI_(ACT) so that a terminal may run an activation operation notnecessarily conditioned upon the authenticating or the selecting.Accordingly, a terminal may provide further seamless operations with amore compact and user friendly directional input unit to a user.

7-6-3. Simplified Activation and Authentication (User) Sub-Inputs

In another exemplary embodiment of this fourth exemplary aspect, a3^(rd) exemplary simplified user input may combine (or integrate)UI_(ACT) with UI_(THEN) (or vice versa). That is, as a user provides aterminal with a single simplified user input, a directional input unitacquires only one of UI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN). However, a terminal may runan activation operation in response to UI_(ACT) (or UI_(THEN)) as wellas run an authentication operation in response to the same UI_(ACT) (orUI_(THEN)). In this regard, a terminal may deem UI_(ACT) and UI_(THEN)to be complementary to each other. That is, a terminal may run anactivation operation which typically leads to running at least oneselected operation and, as a result, it is natural to check whether acurrent user has an access authority to run the selected operation byrunning an authentication operation. Similarly, a terminal may run anauthentication operation and, when a user passes such authenticating, itis natural to run an activation operation to turn on a display unit.

Upon receiving a single user input including one of UI_(ACT) orUI_(THEN), a terminal runs (or starts to run) the turning on and theauthenticating [1] concurrently with each other, or [2] sequentially. Aterminal may manipulate how to precisely authenticate a user, e.g., byauthenticating a thumb, an index finger, or another finger of a user, byauthenticating an iris or a retina, by authenticating a face or anotherbody part, by authenticating a voice of a user, by authenticating amovement of a body part of a user or that of a non-user object, or thelike.

A terminal may manipulate how to precisely control the lighting featuresof a display unit depending on, e.g., a type of authenticationoperations or results obtained by running an authentication (e.g., a“pass” or a “fail”). More particularly, when a user provides a certainUI_(ACT) to turn on its display unit with certain lighting features, aterminal turns on the display unit according to UI_(ACT) with suchcertain lighting features. During this process, a terminal mayauthenticate a user in various timings such as, e.g., [1] concurrentlywith, (immediately) after or within a certain period after acquiringUI_(ACT), [2] concurrently with, (immediately) after, or within acertain period after running (or starting to run) an activationoperation, [3] concurrently with, (immediately) after, or within acertain period after completing to turn on the display unit, or thelike. Alternatively, a terminal may run such turning on and suchauthenticating (or vice versa) sequentially. Therefore, suchauthenticating in this arrangement is conditioned upon such turning on(or vice versa depending on the arrangement).

Alternatively, a terminal (or a user) may set up multiple UI_(THEN)'s,where each UI_(THEN) renders a terminal run a certain authenticationoperation out of multiple authentication operations and where, uponauthenticating the user, a terminal runs a certain activation operationwhich matches such UI_(THEN). In other words, such turning on in thisarrangement is conditioned upon such authenticating or UI_(THEN).Further details of this arrangement are similar to those of the above2^(nd) example and, therefore, are to be omitted.

When desirable, a terminal may include at least one additional inputunit which may be identical to, similar to or different from adirectional input unit and may be used along with the directional inputunit. A terminal may receive a single user input or multiple concurrentuser inputs which include one of UI_(THEN) and UI_(ACT) as well asUI_(SEL) so that a terminal may run a selecting operation, notnecessarily conditioned upon such authenticating or such turning on.Therefore, a terminal may provide further seamless operations with amore compact and convenient-to-use directional input unit to a user.

7-6-4. Simplified Selecting, Activation and Authentication (User)Sub-Inputs

In another exemplary embodiment of this fourth exemplary aspect, a4^(th) exemplary simplified user input may combine (or integrate) all ofUI_(SEL), UI_(ACT), and UI_(THEN). In other words, as a user provides aterminal with a single simplified user input, a directional input unitacquires only one of UI_(SEL), UI_(ACT), or UI_(THEN). However, aterminal may run such selecting, turning on, and authenticating, all inresponse to a single UI_(SEL), UI_(ACT), or UI_(THEN). That is, aterminal (or a user) may deem each of UI_(SEL), UI_(ACT), and UI_(THEN)to be complementary to each other.

This arrangement is a typical example of more seamless operations, inthat a terminal runs a greater number of operations even when a userincludes only a smaller number of (user) sub-inputs into a single userinput which in turn is provided to a terminal, to a directional inputunit, or to another non-directional input unit. To this end, when adirectional (or non-directional) input unit acquires a 1^(st) ofUI_(SEL), UI_(ACT), and UI_(THEN), a terminal is configured to directlyor indirectly acquire the rest of such (user) sub-inputs therefrom(e.g., a 2^(nd) and 3^(rd) Of UI_(SEL), UI_(ACT), and UI_(THEN)). Aterminal then runs (or start to run) such selecting, turning on, andauthenticating, all of such operations in response to a single (user)sub-input which may be termed as UI_(SEL), UI_(ACT), or UI_(THEN), invarious timings such as, e.g., [1] concurrently with each other, or [2]sequentially. A terminal may manipulate how to precisely turn on adisplay unit, or how to run an intended authentication operation, asdescribed above.

In one case, a terminal may configure a directional input unit tomonitor at least one static or dynamic feature of a user input or a(user) sub-input (e.g., UI_(SEL)) while or after receiving a single userinput or acquiring UI_(SEL). A terminal then directly or indirectlyacquires one or both of UI_(THEN) and UI_(ACT) therefrom. In onearrangement, while acquiring UI_(SEL) (e.g., by locating in whichquadrant electrical contacts of a directional input unit form anelectrical connection), the input unit may concurrently monitor anamplitude of a user input force, and then may authenticate a user onlywhen a measured amplitude falls in a pre-selected range. Therefore, adirectional input unit may concurrently acquire both UI_(SEL) andUI_(THEN). In addition, while acquiring UI_(SEL), a directional inputunit may concurrently sense reception of a user input and regards suchas UI_(ACT). Therefore, a directional input unit may concurrentlyacquire all three of UI_(SEL), UI_(THEN), and UI_(ACT), in response to asingle acquired UI_(SEL).

In another arrangement, while acquiring UI_(SEL) as exemplified in thepreceding paragraph, a directional input unit concurrently senses atrajectory of a movement of a movable press-ID element, and thenauthenticates a user only when a trajectory does not cross pre-selectedprohibited regions. Accordingly, a directional input unit mayconcurrently acquire both of UI_(SEL) and UI_(THEN). In addition, whileacquiring such UI_(SEL), a directional input unit concurrently senses amovement of a press-ID element and regards such a movement as UI_(ACT).Therefore, a directional input unit may concurrently acquire all threeof UI_(SEL), UI_(THEN), and UI_(ACT) from a single UI_(SEL).

In addition, a terminal may combine various examples provided in thisembodiment (or other embodiments of this disclosure). For example, aterminal may combine the 1^(st) example of acquiring UI_(SEL) andUI_(ACT) with the 2^(nd) example of acquiring UI_(SEL) and UI_(THEN),thereby concurrently acquiring all of UI_(SEL), UI_(ACT), and UI_(THEN)even when a terminal acquires only one of such (user) sub-inputs from asingle user input. In another example, a terminal may combine the 1^(st)example of acquiring UI_(SEL) and UI_(ACT) with the 3^(rd) example ofacquiring UI_(ACT) and UI_(THEN), thereby concurrently acquiring all ofUI_(SEL), UI_(ACT), and UI_(THEN) even when a terminal acquires only onof such (user) sub-inputs. In yet another example, a terminal maycombine such 3^(rd) example of acquiring UI_(ACT) and UI_(THEN) with the2^(nd) example of acquiring UI_(SEL) and UI_(THEN), thereby concurrentlyacquiring all of UI_(SEL), UI_(ACT), and UI_(THEN) even when a terminalmay acquire only one of such (user) sub-inputs. Accordingly, a terminalmay concurrently acquire all three of such (user) sub-inputs by simplyreceiving a single user input which simply carries a single (user)sub-input therein.

When desirable, a terminal may also be configured in such a way thatanother auxiliary (user) sub-input may be incorporated into sucharrangements that a terminal may acquire four or more (user) sub-inputwhen such a terminal only acquires a single (user) sub-input from asingle user input. In addition, a terminal may also be configured insuch a way that the terminal may acquire three or more (user) sub-inputseven when a terminal acquires a single (user) sub-input from multipleconcurrent user inputs.

It is appreciated that a terminal may use various static or dynamicfeatures which may be inherent in a single user input or a single (user)sub-input so as to allow a directional input unit to directly orindirectly acquire at least one (user) sub-input therefrom. In thealternative, a terminal may add various static or dynamic features to asingle user input or a single (user) sub-input. It is also appreciatedthat each of at least two features of a single (user) sub-input may bematched with (or assigned to) each of at least two features of anotheruser sub-input or that each of multiple features of a single (user)sub-input may be matched with (or assigned to) each of multiple featuresof hardware elements of a directional input unit. It is appreciated thatdetails of such static or dynamic features will be provided below.

Various directional input units operating under such simplified userinputs and various mobile communication terminals employing suchdirectional input units offer numerous benefits. First of all, a usermay manipulate a directional input unit more readily and moreconveniently, e.g., by providing the input unit with a single user inputwhich includes a single (user) sub-input therein, while fully enjoyingthe seamless operations. Secondly, a manufacturer may fabricate adirectional input unit by using simpler and more compact hardwareelements, simpler and more compact software elements, or the like, whileimproving an accuracy of receiving a single user input and acquiring asingle (user) sub-input and while providing enhanced flexibility.

7-7. Static and Dynamic Features

In another exemplary embodiment of this fourth exemplary aspect of thedisclosure, a directional input unit or another non-directional inputunit may receive a single user input or multiple concurrent user inputs,and may acquire multiple (user) sub-inputs in various ways. For example,a directional input unit may acquire a (user) sub-input directly from auser input. Therefore, the input unit acquires UI_(THEN) directly from auser input (e.g., a fingerprint or a voice of a user presented to theinput unit). Alternatively, a directional input unit acquires UI_(ACT)directly from a user input (e.g., a pressing or a contacting by a user).In another case, a directional input unit may acquire UI_(SEL) directlyfrom a single user input (e.g., a location of electrical connection or adirection of a movement of a movable press-ID element).

However, a directional input unit may instead acquire a (user) sub-inputindirectly from a user input from, e.g., various mechanical, electrical,optical or magnetic features inherent in the user input. In one exampleand as disclosed with the type-1 directional input unit above, suchfeatures may include a 2-D or 3-D movement pattern of a movable portionof a directional input unit caused by a user input, a temporal orspatial sequence of the movement caused by a user input, or the like. Inanother example and as discussed with the type-2 directional input unit,such features may include a 2-D or 3-D movement pattern of a user bodypart, a temporal or spatial sequence of the movement of the body part,or the like. In another example and as disclosed with a type-3directional input unit, such features may include a 2-D or 3-D movementpattern of a non-user object, its temporal or spatial sequence of themovement of the non-user object, or the like.

In addition, a type-2 directional input unit may monitor static ordynamic features of a user at a distance, i.e., a movement of a useraway from a directional input unit or a movement of another user bodypart which may not contact or touch a directional input unit.Accordingly, when a user holds a mobile communication terminal whiletouching or pressing a directional input unit with a finger, examples ofsuch a non-contacting user input may include, but not limited to, [1] amovement of a hand, an arm, a wrist, a leg, a torso, a head, a shoulder,or other body parts other than a finger touching a directional inputunit, [2] an image of a face, an eye (e.g., a retina or an iris), anear, or body parts other than his or her finger touching the directionalinput unit, or the like.

Such static or dynamic features inherent in a user input may include,e.g., [1] a force which accompanies a user input and which can bemeasured by a prior art force transducer, [2] a velocity of a movableportion, a contacting or non-contacting body part or a non-user objectattainable by a user input, where a velocity can be measured by a priorart velocimeter or can be estimated by integrating an acceleration andwhere such a velocity may be a linear velocity or an angular velocity,[3] an acceleration of a movable portion, a contacting or non-contactingbody part or a non-user object resulting from a user input, where anacceleration can be sensed by a prior art accelerometer or estimated bydifferentiating a velocity and where the acceleration may be linear orangular, [4] a displacement of a movable portion, a body part or anon-user object which results from a user input, or the like, where adisplacement may be measured by a prior art displacement sensor orestimated by integrating a velocity, where a displacement may be a netdistance from a starting position to an ending position or an arcuatelength along a curvilinear path, and where a displacement may be linearor angular. It is appreciated that any prior art sensor may be recruitedby a terminal or its directional input unit as long as such a sensorfits into a terminal and that such sensors are provided in a compactconfiguration. Thus, a directional input unit may recruit prior artmicro-electromechanical (i.e., MEMS) sensors to this end.

Further conventional sensors may be recruited to measure one or more ofsuch features, where examples of such sensors may include a gyroscopicsensor, an inclinometer, a tilt sensor, or the like. More particularly,a directional input unit may include a prior art gyroscopic sensor tomeasure orientation, where examples of such gyroscopic sensors mayinclude, e.g., a fiber-optic gyroscope, a hemispherical resonatorgyroscope, a vibrating structure gyroscope, a wine-glass resonators, adynamically-tuned gyroscope, a London moment gyroscope, or a ring lasergyroscope. Such gyroscopic sensors may be useful in enabling adirectional input unit to monitor an orientation of a user (or his orher non-contacting body part), static or dynamic features of such anorientation, changes in orientation, or the like. Accordingly, adirectional input unit can sense such features from a gesture, a motion,an orientation, or a position of a body part of a user or a non-userobject.

Such static or dynamic features inherent in a user input may alsoinclude various force-related features such as, e.g., [1] an intensityor amplitude of a force, [2] a direction thereof, [3] an alignment witha portion of an input unit, [4] its duration, [5] its time-dependent orposition-dependent changes, [6] a point(s) of application, [7] anaverage thereof, where such an average may include an arithmeticaverage, a weighted average, or the like. Such inherent features mayinclude various velocity-related features such as, e.g., [1] a magnitudeof a velocity, [2] a direction thereof, [3] an alignment with a portionof an input unit, [4] a duration thereof, [5] its time-dependent orposition-dependent changes, or the like. Such inherent features may alsoinclude various acceleration-related features such as, e.g., [1] amagnitude of an acceleration, [2] a direction thereof, [3] an alignmentwith a portion of an input unit, [4] its alignment, [5] its duration,[6] its time-dependent or position-dependent changes, or the like. Suchinherent features may also include displacement-related features suchas, e.g., [1] a net displacement (a vector distance from a previousposition to a present position), [2] a length of a displacement alongits curvilinear path, [3] a path or trajectory of such a displacement,[4] a pattern of the displacement, [5] its direction, [6] a currentposition, [7] its destination, or the like.

It is appreciated that each of such static or dynamic features may be atime-independent value or a position-independent value such that theymay be deemed as a constant value. Alternatively, each of such featuresmay be a time-dependent value or a position-dependent value such that acertain feature may be function of a time or a position. When a certainfeature is not a constant value, a terminal may use an average value ofsuch a time-varying or position-varying feature, where an average may bea time-averaged value or a space-averaged value, may be an arithmeticaverage, a logarithmic average, or a weighted average. When a user mayapply multiple concurrent user inputs in a form of a pulse train or mayapply multiple concurrent (user) sub-inputs in a form of another pulsetrain, such inherent features may also include various characteristicsof the pulse train such as, e.g., a number of user inputs (orsub-inputs) in one pulse train, a wavelength of the pulse train, aperiod of the pulse train, or a presence or absence of any temporal gapbetween such pulses.

It is appreciated that each of such static or dynamic features may be ascalar value or a vector value, where the latter value may includemultiple components defined based on one of coordinate systems such as,e.g., a Cartesian coordinate, a cylindrical coordinate, a sphericalcoordinate, or the like. As briefly mentioned in the simplified userinputs above, such inherent features may be a feature which is directlymeasured by a prior art sensor, or another feature which can be derivedor estimated from a value measured by such a sensor, where suchderivation or estimation may be done electronically (e.g., by using ahardware element) or numerically (e.g., by using a software element).

In another example and as discussed in conjunction with such a type-4directional input unit, such features may include, e.g., an intensity ofelectromagnetic or acoustic waves, their frequency, their wavelength,their phase angle or lag, or the like. When such features may relate tomagnetic properties, such features may include, e.g., an intensity of amagnetic field, a magnetic polarity, dipole characteristics, anarrangement or a disposition of magnetic materials, or the like.

Accordingly, a terminal may monitor various static or dynamic featuresof a user input or (user) sub-input and may acquire at least one (user)sub-input therefrom. Of course, such a terminal preferably includes aproper sensor which can sense or quantify such a feature in real time orat least in pseudo-real time, whereby such a terminal can provide a userwith seamless operations. A terminal may also incorporate any prior artsensor for sensing or monitoring such a feature.

7-8. Interchangeability

Although the foregoing embodiments or examples of this fourth exemplaryaspect typically relate to various directional input units of a mobilecommunication terminal, it is to be understood that all such embodimentsor examples equally apply to other mobile communication terminals eachof which includes at least one input unit which may operate similar tovarious directional input units of this fourth exemplary aspect and,therefore, may be capable of acquiring UI_(SEL), optionally along withother (user) sub-inputs by various embodiments. Therefore, variousembodiments or examples of this fourth exemplary aspect may equallyapply to any input unit which acquires such UI_(SEL) alone or inconcurrency with at least one another sub-inputs such as UI_(ACT) andUI_(THEN).

Configurational or operational variations (or modifications) of suchdirectional input units described in various embodiments or examples ofthis fourth exemplary aspect may be interchangeable in such a way thatcertain features of one embodiment or one example of this fourth aspectmay be applied to another embodiment or example of the same aspect.Other configurational or operational features, their variations ormodifications of various directional input units of this fourthexemplary aspect may [1] apply to, [2] be incorporated into, [3] bereplaced by, [4] replace, or [5] be combined with the correspondingfeatures of another exemplary aspect, embodiment or example of thisdisclosure which have been described heretofore or which will bedescribed hereinafter, subject to a certain modification, addition,and/or omission, each of which may become apparent based on detailedcontext of this fourth exemplary aspect or other exemplary aspects ofthis disclosure.

8. Configuration 5—Type-2 Directional Input Unit

In the fifth exemplary aspect of this disclosure, an exemplary mobilecommunication terminal may include a directional input unit whichincludes at least one movable portion and which is to be referred to asa “type-2 directional input unit” hereinafter. A user may contact,touch, press or otherwise manipulate such a portion to provide a singleuser input including multiple (user) sub-inputs or to provide multipleconcurrent user inputs including multiple (user) sub-inputs.

It is appreciated that a type-2 directional input unit of this fifthexemplary aspect is different from the type-1 directional input unit ofthe above fourth aspect in that the previous type-1 input unit includesa portion which moves laterally or in a substantially horizontaldirection, whereas this type-2 input unit includes a portion which movessubstantially vertically. It is appreciated that the type-2 directionalinput unit may be readily implemented into any mobile communicationterminal which have been exemplified in the above first, second, andthird aspects of this disclosure and that various features related tosuch vertical movements of this type-2 directional input unit may bereadily combined with other directional input units described heretoforeand hereinafter.

It is also appreciated that, as a directional input unit acquires more(user) sub-inputs, a terminal may provide a user with more seamlessoperations. Therefore, a directional input unit may include multiplesensors for the purpose of concurrently acquiring multiple (user)sub-inputs. As a result, a terminal may run (or start to run) as manyoperations as possible concurrently or sequentially, all in response toa single user effort such as, e.g., a single user input or in responseto multiple concurrent (user) sub-inputs.

It is also appreciated that this type-2 directional input unit generallyincludes at least one “press-ID element” and at least one “directionalelement,” where a press-ID element can acquire at least one of UI_(ACT)and UI_(THEN), while a directional element can acquire UI_(SEL). Moreparticularly, a press-ID element of this type-2 directional input unitmay serve as a movable portion of a directional input unit so that auser moves a press-ID element and delivers UI_(SEL) to such an inputunit.

8-1. Type-2 Directional Input Unit—Overall

In one exemplary embodiment of this fifth exemplary aspect, a mobilecommunication terminal includes at least one directional input unitwhich can receive a single user input or multiple concurrent userinputs, can acquire multiple (user) sub-inputs from a user input, andcan generate multiple control signals each representing each (user)sub-input. When a terminal receives multiple concurrent user inputs,this directional input unit may receive all of such multiple user inputsor may receive at least one of such user inputs which include UI_(SEL).

FIG. 11A is an exemplary directional input unit which can acquire three(user) sub-inputs such as UI_(SEL), UI_(ACT), and UI_(THEN), along withother optional (user) sub-inputs. An exemplary press-ID element (23) ofFIG. 11A is button-shaped and includes a layered structure which isidentical to that of FIG. 10A of the fourth aspect. A press-ID element(23) also includes, e.g., four electrical contacts (23E) disposed ineach corner (or quadrant) of a bottom surface thereof.

A directional element (24) includes a stationary body (24B) whichdefines an internal cavity in which a press-ID element (23) movably sitsand which includes multiple electrical contacts (24E) provided on itstop surface of its bottom portion of the element (24). A directionalelement (24) also defines, e.g., four electrical contacts (24E) each ofwhich is disposed in each corner (or quadrant) of a top surface of abottom portion of such an element (24). It is appreciated that suchelectrical contacts (24E) are vertically spaced away from those (23E) ofa press-ID element (23) such that, when a press-ID element (23) movesvertically downwardly in response to a user input, such electriccontacts (23E), (24E) of both elements (23), (24) come to contact eachother. A directional element (24) includes multiple elastic elements(24F1, 24F2) (e.g., compression springs, tension springs or acombination thereof) which abut opposing surfaces of a press-ID element(23) and a directional element (24) and which move between their reststates and biased states.

When a user presses a directional input unit (22) by applying a userinput at an angle thereto, the user input may include a verticalcomponent as well as a lateral component. In response thereto, a movablepress-ID element (23) moves downwardly from its rest position. Becausethose electrical contacts (23E) of a press-ID element (23) are providedon a bottom surface of the element (23) and those contacts (24E) of adirectional element (24) are provided on its top surface of the element(24), such electrical contacts (23E), (24E) come to contact each otherand form an electrical connection after a press-ID element (23) moves a1^(st) distance laterally and a 2^(nd) distance vertically anddownwardly. In response thereto, lateral elastic elements (24F1)disposed in a movement direction are also compressed in a lateraldirection to their biased states, while a vertical elastic element(24F2) disposed in an upper portion of a directional input unit is alsovertically compressed to its biased state.

When a user ceases to apply a user input, vertical and lateral forcecomponents of a user input also cease to push a movable press-ID element(23). Therefore, multiple lateral elastic elements (24F1) return totheir rest states via their recoil force, thereby returning a press-IDelement (23) to its rest state in a lateral direction. In addition, thevertical elastic element (24F2) also returns to its rest state, whilelifting a press-ID element (23) upwardly to its rest state. As a result,the press-ID element (23) returns to its original position and getsready for receiving another round of user input.

In operation, a terminal may store a matching list which matchesmultiple UI_(SEL)'s with multiple pre-selected operations which a userwants to run when a terminal powers on, wakes up, or switch modes. Whena terminal is in its off-state, a user may provide a single user input(or multiple concurrent user inputs) by pressing a press-ID element (23)at an angle. As a result, a horizontal force component of a user inputslides a press-ID element (23) toward a directional element (24),whereas a vertical force component of a user input presses a press-IDelement (23) downwardly.

More particularly, when a user presses a press-ID element (23), afingerprint sensor (23C) implemented into the element (23) acquiresUI_(THEN), and a tactile sensor (23D) in the same element (23) alsoacquires UI_(ACT). In addition, as a press-ID element (23) moves towarda directional element (24) in response to the user input, both elements(23) and (24) come into contacting each other and their electricalcontacts (23E), (24E) form at least one electrical connection dependingon a direction of a user input. Based upon a location of such electricalconnection, a directional element (24) acquires UI_(SEL) from the userinput. As a result, a directional input unit (22) concurrently acquiresUI_(SEL), UI_(ACT), and UI_(THEN). Upon acquiring such multiple (user)sub-inputs, a terminal generates control signals each representing each(user) sub-inputs. As a result, a terminal can run a selecting operationalong with running an activation operation and an authenticationoperation in one of various timings as described above.

Various directional input units (with their press-ID and directionalelements) disclosed in this fifth exemplary aspect are typicallyidentical to those directional input units (with their press-ID anddirectional elements) of the above fourth exemplary aspect, withexceptions that [1] a press-ID element of this fifth exemplary aspectincludes multiple electrical contacts (23E) provided under its bottomsurface, [2] a directional element of this fifth exemplary aspectincludes multiple electrical contacts (24E) provided on its bottomsurface, or [3] each pair of opposing electrical contacts of suchpress-ID and directional elements form electrical connections as apress-ID element moves vertically and downwardly as well as translateslaterally. Other configurational or operational characteristics of suchdirectional input units of this fifth exemplary aspect are identical orsimilar to those of the fourth aspect and, therefore, are omittedherein.

8-2. Modifications or Variations of Type-2 Directional Input Units

In another exemplary embodiment of this fifth exemplary aspect, apress-ID element and a direction element of a directional input unit ofthe fifth exemplary aspect may be modified or changed without departingfrom a spirit and a scope of various directional input units explainedthroughout this disclosure.

For example, the protective layer of a press-ID element may incorporateor may be made of other equivalent materials as described above. Apress-ID element may include other prior art detection rings,authentication sensors, or tactile sensors, where such rings or sensorsmay be modified as explained above. An overall (external) shape or sizeof a press-ID element and its overall layer configuration or arrangementmay also be changed as described above. Because sole differences betweenthe directional input units of this fifth aspect and those of the fourthaspect lie in a movement direction or depth of a press-ID element and adisposition of multiple electrical contacts, other structural andoperational variations of the directional input units of the third orfourth aspect may equally apply to the directional input unit of thisfifth aspect.

A directional element may be shaped or sized to movably contain thereinor to enclose therearound an entire portion of a matching press-IDelement as also described above. Alternatively, not all but only aportion of a press-ID element may also be enclosed by a directionalelement, thereby, e.g., reducing a volume or an area occupied by adirectional element or an overall directional input unit upon a surfaceof a terminal, fabricating a terminal more compact, or the like.

A directional element may define an inside or outside shape and sizewhich may be different from those of a press-ID element as far as adirectional element may enclose at least a (or an entire) portion of apress-ID unit therein. As described above, a directional element and apress-ID element may include various number of electrical contactsthereon or may form various number of electrical connections alongdifferent lengths or angles similar to those of FIG. 10C but providedbetween a bottom of a press-ID element and a top surface of a bottom ofa directional element.

Other configurational or operational characteristics of such press-IDelements, such directional elements and such directional input units ofthis fifth aspect are identical or similar to those of the fourthaspect. Therefore, further details of such modifications or variationsare omitted herein.

8-3. Modifications or Variations for Reverse Arrangements

Above directional input units of this fifth exemplary aspect generallydispose a directional element around an entire (or at least a) portionof a press-ID element. Conversely and in another exemplary embodiment ofthis fifth exemplary aspect, an entire (or at least a) portion of adirectional element may be implemented inside a press-ID element. Inthis context, a directional input unit of this fifth exemplary aspectmay be deemed as a reversely-arranged directional input unit.

FIG. 11B depicts a directional input unit which can concurrently acquireUI_(SEL), UI_(ACT), and UI_(THEN), but of which directional element isentirely (or at least partially) enclosed by or disposed inside apress-ID element, where this reversely-arranged directional input unitmay include various portions which are identical or similar to those ofFIG. 11A. A directional input unit (22) similarly includes a press-IDelement (23) and a directional element (24), where its press-ID element(23) acquires UI_(ACT) and UI_(THEN), whereas its directional element(24) acquires UI_(SEL), similar to those of FIG. 10A.

More particularly, a press-ID element (23) forms multiple electricalcontacts (23E) around or under a bottom so that each of such contacts(23E) may form an electrical connection with a corresponding electricalcontact (24E) of a directional element (24) when the former (23E) moveslaterally and downwardly so as to approach and touch the latter (24E). Adirectional element (24) includes a body (24B) which is stationary anddisposed inside a press-ID element (23), while not physically orelectrically contacting the press-ID element (23) in its rest (orunbiased) state.

A directional element (24) also includes multiple electrical contacts(24E) which may be formed on or under its bottom and spaced away at acertain distance from a press-ID element (23), where each of suchelectric contacts (24E) may also form an electrical connection (orelectrically closed circuit) when contacting each of such electricalcontacts (23E) of a press-ID element (23). A directional element (24)includes multiple lateral elastic elements (24F1) disposed betweenopposing vertical surfaces of such elements (23), (24), and alsoincludes at least one vertical elastic element (24F2) disposed in anupper portion of a directional input unit (22). Similar to those of FIG.10A, such elastic elements (24F1), (24F2) are typically compressed as apress-ID element (23) moves along a direction of a user input toward adirectional element (24), and return to their rest states from theirbiased states both laterally and vertically due to their recoil forceswhen a user ceases to apply the user input.

As a user presses a press-ID element (23) at an angle, a lateralcomponent and a vertical element of a user input force moves a press-IDelement (23) in different directions. For example, a lateral componentof a user input slides a press-ID element (23) toward a south-eastquadrant as indicated by an arrow in a lower panel of FIG. 11B. Inresponse thereto, a pair of elastic elements (24F3) disposed in the eastand south quadrants are compressed, while another pair of elasticelements (24F1) disposed in the opposite quadrants (e.g., the west andnorth quadrants) are extended. In addition, a vertical element of a userinput force pushes a press-ID element downwardly, compressing an elasticelement (24F2) vertically disposed under a press-ID element (23).Accordingly, such elastic elements (24F1-24F3) accumulate recoil energywhich pushes themselves (24F1-24F3) back to their rest states in bothlateral and vertical directions as a user ceases to apply a user input.The situations would be similar when a directional input unit (22)employs extension springs instead of compression springs, for one set ofelastic elements would be compressed when a press-ID element moves inresponse to a user input in a certain direction, while another setthereof would be extended.

Although the exemplary directional input unit (22) of FIG. 11B includesa mobile press-ID element (24) and a stationary directional element(24), a press-ID element may be configured to be stationary, but adirectional input unit may move with respect to a press-ID element inresponse to a user input. This arrangement may be embodied by exposingat least a portion of the directional element to an exterior and byallowing a user to manipulate such an exposed portion, thereby directlyactuating a directional element, not directly moving the press-IDelement.

A directional input unit may be configured that at least a portion of apress-ID element and at least a portion of a directional element may bemobile at the same time. By mechanically coupling one of such elementsto another thereof, such elements may move together in the samedirection in response to a user input. In the alternative, such elementsmay be arranged to move in opposite or transverse directions byincorporating at least one gear assembly or other prior arttransmissions as well.

8-4. Interchangeability

Although the foregoing embodiments or examples of this fifth exemplaryaspect relate to various directional input units of a mobilecommunication terminal in general, it is to be understood that all suchembodiments or examples equally apply to other mobile communicationterminals each of which includes at least one input unit operating likesuch directional input units and, therefore, capable of acquiringselecting (user) sub-inputs (UI_(SEL)). Therefore, various embodimentsor examples of this fifth exemplary aspect may equally apply to anyinput unit which acquires such UI_(SEL) alone or in concurrency with atleast one another (user) sub-inputs such as UI_(ACT) and UI_(THEN).

Configurational or operational variations (or modifications) of suchdirectional input units described in various embodiments or examples ofthis fifth exemplary aspect may be interchangeable in such a way thatcertain features of one embodiment or one example of this fifth aspectmay be applied to another embodiment or example of the same aspect.Other configurational or operational features, and variations ormodifications of such directional input units of this fifth exemplaryaspect may [1] apply to, [2] be incorporated into, [3] replace, [4] bereplaced by, or [5] be combined with corresponding features of anotherexemplary aspect, embodiment or example of this disclosure which havebeen described heretofore or which will be described hereinafter,subject to a certain modification, addition, and/or omission, each ofwhich may become apparent based on detailed context of this fifthexemplary aspect or other exemplary aspects of this disclosure.

9. Configuration 6—Type-3 Directional Input Unit

In the sixth exemplary aspect of this disclosure, a mobile communicationterminal includes a directional input unit which includes at least onestationary touch-ID element and at least one stationary directionalelement, where this directional input unit is to be referred to as a“type-3 directional input unit” hereinafter. A user may contact, touch,press or otherwise manipulate a portion of the input unit to provide asingle user input including multiple (user) sub-inputs or to providemultiple concurrent user inputs including multiple (user) sub-inputs,where at least one of such (user) sub-inputs is a selecting (user)sub-input, UI_(SEL).

However, because both touch-ID element and directional element arestationary, all (or at least substantial) portions of a directionalinput unit may not have to move in response to a user input (i.e., auser input force). Rather, at least one of a touch-ID element anddirectional elements is configured to sense a movement of at least oneuser body part which contacts at least a portion of either element, withor without actively pressing such a portion. Because neither a touch-IDelement nor a directional element is mobile, it then follows that atleast one of such touch-ID and directional elements may include at leastone sensor for sensing at least one static or dynamic feature of a userinput, where such a feature is directly or indirectly associated with atleast one movement of at least one body part of a user. In addition, forproviding seamless operations, a directional input unit may sense atleast one (user) sub-input in real time or at least in pseudo real time.

Because both of such touch-ID element and directional elements arestationary, it is not material whether a user provides a user input bysimply contacting or touching it without applying any force or bypressing it with a measurable force. Accordingly, an intensity of a userinput force may not be important in this sixth aspect of thisdisclosure, even though a type-3 directional input unit may beconfigured to monitor at least one static or dynamic feature of a userinput and to acquire at least one (user) sub-input therefrom directly orindirectly. Following description explain various type-3 directionalinput units which may be incorporated into a mobile communicationterminal, where configurational or operational characteristics thereofare similar or identical to those of other directional input units inthe above first, second, third or fourth aspect of this disclosure.

It is appreciated that, as a directional input unit may acquire more(user) sub-inputs, a terminal may provide a user with more seamlessoperations. Accordingly, a type-3 directional input unit may includemultiple sensors for the purpose of concurrently acquiring multiple(user) sub-inputs. As a result, such a terminal may also run (or startto run) as many operations as possible concurrently or sequentially, allin response to a single user input or in response to multiple concurrent(user) sub-inputs.

This type-3 directional input unit typically includes at least one“touch-ID element” capable of acquiring UI_(ACT) and UI_(THEN) and atleast one “directional element” capable of acquiring UI_(SEL).Alternatively, a type-3 terminal may also configure a touch-ID elementto acquire UI_(SEL). As will be explained below, such a touch-ID elementof this sixth exemplary aspect may be similar to a press-ID element ofthe above exemplary aspects, except that a touch-ID element does nothave to move in response to a user input

9-1. Type-3 Directional Input Unit—Overall

In one exemplary embodiment of this sixth exemplary aspect, a mobilecommunication terminal may include a directional input unit which inturn includes at least one type-3 directional input unit which in turnincludes at least one stationary touch-ID element and at least onestationary (or mobile) directional element. A type-3 directional inputunit receives a single user input (or multiple concurrent user inputs),concurrently acquires therefrom at least two (user) sub-inputs one ofwhich is UI_(SEL), and generates multiple control signals each of whichrepresents each of such multiple (user) sub-inputs. A terminal may thenrun multiple operations while powering on, waking up, or switchingmodes, where each of such operations corresponds to [1] each of certainmultiple control signals or [2] each of certain multiple (user)sub-inputs.

To this end, a touch-ID element of a directional input unit monitors atouch or a contact between at least one body part of a user and at leasta portion of such an element or such an input unit, where a touch orcontact may accompany a force of a minimum magnitude. A directionalinput unit then acquires multiple (user) sub-inputs from such a contactor a touch, or from a static or dynamic feature related to such acontact or a touch. Because a directional input unit and its touch-IDelement do not require any movable portion, a directional input unitincluding such a stationary touch-ID element may be provided in asimpler configuration than other directional input units including suchmovable press-ID elements or such movable directional elements.

FIG. 12 depicts an exemplary directional input unit of the sixthexemplary aspect of this disclosure. As shown in the figure, adirectional input unit (22) generally includes a “touch-ID element” (23)which may concurrently acquire UI_(SEL), UI_(THEN), UI_(ACT), or thelike. Because a directional input unit (22) does not include a movableportion, the input unit (22) may acquire UI_(SEL) with its touch-IDelement (23). Accordingly, a configuration of a touch-ID element (23)may be identical to that of a directional input unit (22) or may benegligibly or slightly smaller or narrower than a directional input unit(22). It is appreciated that the above exemplary directional input unitis specifically tailored to run a fingerprint authentication operation.

Still referring to FIG. 12, a button-shaped directional input unit (22)or a stationary touch-ID element (23) may form therealong a layeredstructure which in turn includes a touch screen layer (23H), a detectionring (23B), a fingerprint sensor (23C), and a tactile sensor (23D). Thistouch-ID element (23) can concurrently acquire at least one UI_(SEL), atleast one UI_(THEN), and at least one UI_(ACT), as will be described ingreater detail below.

A top layer of a directional input unit (22) and its touch-ID element(23) is a touch screen layer (23H) which may include or may be made ofat least one prior art touch screen (input) element which may receive auser input, may acquire a selecting (user) sub-input (UI_(SEL)) from auser touch or may acquire a series of multiple user touches as UI_(SEL).A touch screen layer (23H) may acquire UI_(SEL) based on anyconventional operational principles or mechanisms.

In a 1^(st) example, a touch screen layer (23H) of a touch-ID element(23) or another portion of the element (23) may monitor electricalcapacitance, temporal changes in such capacitance (i.e., suchconductance changes over time) or spatial changes in such capacitance(i.e., such conductance depends on (or varies in) positions in a 2-Dplane or in a 3-D space) for acquiring UI_(SEL), e.g., by including aninsulator and an electric conductor (e.g., InSnO) which is coated on theinsulator. As a result, a touch-ID element (23) or its touch screenlayer (23H) may generate an electrostatic field when an electricalvoltage is applied thereto. When a user touches a touch screen layer(23H) or another portion of a touch-ID element (23), such electrostaticfield is distorted and such distortion is measurable as changes incapacitance, where such capacitances may include, e.g., a surfacecapacitance, a projected capacitance, a mutual capacitance, aself-capacitance, or the like.

In a 2^(nd) example, a touch-ID element (23) or its touch screen layer(23H) may monitor electrical resistance, a temporal change in suchresistance or a spatial change in such resistance in order to acquireUI_(SEL), e.g., by separating at least two electrically resistive layersby a thin space, where a 1^(st) resistive layer is applied with anelectric voltage, while a 2^(nd) resistive layer senses such voltagethrough conductive connections. As a user touches a touch screen layer(23H) or another portion of a touch-ID element (23), the above resistivelayers may contact each other and behave as a pair of voltage dividers,one axis at a time. A touch screen layer (23H) then senses a position ofpressure from rapid switching between each layer and monitors changes insuch resistance.

In a 3^(rd) example, a touch-ID element (23) or its touch screen layer(23H) may sense absorption of ultrasonic waves or their temporal orspatial changes for acquiring UI_(SEL), e.g., by passing ultrasonicwaves over a touch screen layer (23H). As a user touches a touch screenlayer (23H) or another portion of a touch-ID element (23), a portion ofsuch ultrasonic waves is absorbed, and a touch screen layer (23H) oranother portion of a touch-ID element (23) may register a position of auser touch from such changes in absorption of ultrasonic waves. Adirectional input unit may also use other prior art sensors whichoperate on different operational principles or mechanisms examples ofwhich may include, but not limited to, an optical imaging, an infraredgrid or infrared acrylic projection, an acoustic pulse recognition,dispersive signal technologies, or the like.

Using at least one of such principles or mechanisms, a touch-ID element(23) or its touch screen layer (23H) may monitor at least one of suchtemporal or spatial changes in such capacitance, resistance orabsorption due to a touch by a user, a series of multiple user touches,or a pattern of multiple user touches, in order to receive a user inputor to acquire UI_(SEL). In one example, with such a touch screen layer(23H), a directional input unit (22) may monitor at least one of suchtemporal or spatial changes from, e.g., [1] a position of such a usertouch(es), [2] changes in positions of a user touch(es), [3] a patternof such a user touch(es), or [4] other static or dynamic feature relatedto such a touch(es). Based thereupon, a touch-ID element (23) or itstouch screen layer (23H) may function as a directional element of theinput unit of this sixth exemplary aspect, e.g., by receiving a singleuser input or multiple concurrent user inputs, by acquiring UI_(SEL)therefrom, or the like. A directional input unit may optionally includeat least one protective layer over an entire (or at least a) portion ofa touch screen layer (23H) as described above, as far as such aprotective layer does not interfere with acquisition of UI_(SEL).

A detection ring (23B) serves to detect a presence of a user and torender a fingerprint sensor (23C) ready to run at least oneauthentication operation. Upon receiving a user input and confirming thepresence of a user (or a body part), a fingerprint sensor (23C) beginsto read a fingerprint of a user (UI_(THEN)) based upon variousmechanisms as described above. A tactile sensor (23D) may monitor orsense an application of a user input force (e.g., UI_(ACT)) thereon by auser, or a contact by a user whether or not a user applies a force or apressure thereon. It is appreciated that, based on an O/S or hardwarecharacteristics of the fingerprint sensor (23C), a terminal may completeto acquire both of UI_(THEN) and UI_(ACT) concurrently (i.e., with atemporal overlap therealong) or sequentially (i.e., without any temporaloverlap therebetween). Other configurational or operationalcharacteristics of such a detection ring and fingerprint sensor aresimilar or identical to those of various directional input units of thefourth and fifth exemplary aspects and, therefore, are omitted herein.

9-2. Operating Type-3 Directional Input Unit

In another exemplary embodiment of this sixth exemplary aspect, a usermay operate a directional input unit of this sixth exemplary aspect aswell as a mobile communication terminal including the directional inputunit while enjoying more seamless operations. A terminal manufacturer(or a user) may select in advance at least two operations which may berun when or (immediately) after a terminal powers on, wakes up, orswitches modes. Thereafter, a manufacturer or a user may match each ofmultiple pre-selected operations with each of multiple UI_(SEL)'s, asexplained above in conjunction with the matching list.

A user provides a single user input (or multiple concurrent user inputs)to a directional input unit while a terminal is in its powered-off stateor in its off-state. In one example, a user may contact, touch, or pressat least a portion of a directional input unit to provide a single userinput (or multiple concurrent user inputs). With such contactingtouching, or pressing, a user may deliver (user) sub-inputs to a tactilesensor or an authentication sensor, in addition to a directional elementor its equivalent. A user may add one more feature to a user input toinclude UI_(SEL) therein. Accordingly, when a user provides a singleuser input (or multiple concurrent user inputs), e.g., by moving atleast one body portion (e.g., his or her finger) across at least aportion of a directional input unit in a certain direction, along apreset curvilinear path, or the like, a directional input unit mayacquire UI_(SEL) using a touch screen input unit (23H), may acquireUI_(THEN) with a fingerprint sensor (23C), may directly acquire UI_(ACT)with a tactile sensor, may acquire UI_(SEL) with a touch screen layer(23H) or another portion of a directional input unit (22), or mayacquire UI_(SEL) indirectly from UI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN).

More particularly, when a user presses, contacts or touches adirectional input unit (22), a tactile sensor (23D) may acquire UI_(ACT)in various means. For example, a tactile sensor may monitor a contact ortouch by a user from a change in electric capacitance of at least aportion of such an input unit (22), may measure a force or a pressureapplied by a user to at least a portion of such an input unit (22)(e.g., its stationary touch screen layer), and may acquire UI_(ACT) fromthe contact, force or pressure of the user input. In order to acquireUI_(ACT), a tactile sensor may measure [1] a presence or absence of anapplication of such a force or pressure, [2] the force or pressureapplied to a certain portion of a touch-ID element (23), [3] an averageof such force or pressure applied thereto over a certain period of timeor applied over a certain area of a tactile sensor, or [4] a static ordynamic feature related to such a force or pressure.

When a user presses, contacts, touches or otherwise manipulates adirectional input unit (22), the input unit may acquire UI_(THEN) invarious means. For example, a fingerprint sensor (23C) may acquireUI_(THEN) from a user input. Alternatively, such an input unit mayemploy an additional authentication sensor, and acquire one or moredifferent authentication (user) sub-inputs therefrom.

A directional input unit (22) may instead receive a fingerprint oranother authentication information and then acquire both of UI_(THEN)and UI_(SEL). In one example, after the input unit directly acquiresUI_(THEN) from a fingerprint or other authentication information, theinput unit may monitor a position of a fingerprint (or anotherUI_(THEN)) on a fingerprint sensor or another authentication sensor) andmay acquire UI_(SEL) therefrom. In another example, the input unit mayacquire UI_(SEL) based on which finger a user presents to a fingerprintsensor. In other words, the input unit may acquire UI_(SEL-1) when auser puts a thumb on the sensor, may acquire UI_(SEL-2) when a user putshis or her index finger, or the like. In another example, the input unitmay monitor a movement distance or a movement direction of a finger oranother body part and acquire UI_(SEL) therefrom. Details of suchsimplified arrangements have been described in terms of the simplifieduser inputs and, therefore, are omitted herein.

A touch screen layer (23H) or a touch-ID element (23) may monitor amovement or related static or dynamic features of the movement of atleast one contacting user body part or at least one non-contacting userbody part for acquiring UI_(SEL). For example, a touch screen layer(23H) may sense a position of a contacting body part (such as, e.g., afinger) of a user on the layer (23H) to acquire a fingerprint or adifferent UI_(SEL). A touch screen layer (23H) may instead monitor adisplacement or a distance of travel of the displacement of thecontacting body part across (or on) a touch screen layer (23H) foracquiring a fingerprint or a different UI_(SEL). A touch screen layer(23H) or a touch-ID element (23) may be configured to be at leastpartially mobile with respect to the rest of a directional input unit.

When a user places a finger or another body part proximate to adirectional input unit (22) while not touching or contacting the unit(22) at all, a fingerprint sensor (23C) or another authentication sensormay still acquire UI_(THEN) or UI_(SEL) by various means such as, e.g.,by monitoring a position or a movement of a finger or a body part asdescribed above, by acquiring an image of a finger or another body partcaptured by a terminal (e.g., a camera) at a distance, or by monitoringchanges in electrical capacitance or resistivity as described above. Adirectional input unit may acquire UI_(SEL) based upon UI_(THEN) (orvice versa), may acquire UI_(ACT) from UI_(THEN) or UI_(SEL) (or viceversa) or from another concurrent user input which may be received bythe same directional input unit or another non-directional input unit.

That is, a directional input unit may receive a single user input (ormultiple concurrent user inputs) and acquire UI_(SEL) concurrently,along with at least one of other (user) sub-inputs such as, e.g.,UI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN), and then generate at least two control signalsbased thereon. A terminal may then concurrently or sequentially run (orstart to run) [1] a selecting operation to identify a pre-selectedoperation to run from a matching list upon or (immediately) afterpowering on, waking up, or switching modes, [2] an activation operationto turn on a display unit, [3] an authentication operation toauthenticate a current user or optionally, [4] at least one selectedoperation which is selected after running a selection operation.Therefore, a direction input unit may receive a single user input (ormultiple concurrent user inputs) and then concurrently acquire UI_(SEL)and at least one of UI_(ACT) and UI_(THEN), whereas such a terminal maycomplete each of such operations concurrently or sequentially asdescribed above.

9-3. Modifications or Variations of Type-3 Directional Input Units

In another exemplary embodiment of this sixth exemplary aspect, adirectional input unit as well as a mobile communication terminalincorporating the directional input unit may be modified as follows. Inone example, instead of employing a tactile sensor, a directional inputunit may acquire UI_(ACT) using other prior art sensors such as, e.g., aposition sensor, a motion sensor, a proximity sensor, a gyroscopicsensor, or the like. That is, a directional input unit may acquireUI_(ACT) from various movements of a non-contacting body part of a user,or a non-user object. A terminal may instead acquire UI_(ACT) from aposition, an elevation or an orientation of a non-contacting body partof a user, a non-user object, or the like. Therefore, a prior artposition sensor may monitor a position of a contacting or non-contactingbody part of a user, a position of a non-user object, or an orientationof such objects, and the register such as UI_(ACT). A directional inputunit may also screen a position or an orientation, and may only registerthose positions or orientations which meet a certain criteria (e.g., aposition falls within a pre-selected area of the input unit). In anotherexample, a conventional motion sensor or proximity sensor may monitor apresence of a user body part within a certain distance therefrom,monitor a presence or an absence of a body part of a user, monitor amovement of such a user body part, monitor a vector length of a path ofsuch movement, or monitor a length along a curvilinear path of such amovement. In other words, a directional input unit may acquire UI_(ACT)using a prior art tactile sensor or any other prior art sensors formonitoring such static or dynamic features which indicate an applicationof a user input or which indicate a need to turn on a display unit.

As briefly described above, a directional input unit of this sixthaspect may include a protective layer which is disposed above a touchscreen layer for providing mechanical, electrical, magnetic or opticalreinforcement thereto. A detection ring may also be modified or alteredas described above or may be omitted therefrom. In particular, when aterminal may condition running an authentication operation upon turningon a display unit or upon running a selecting operation, a directionalinput unit may obviate a detecting ring, for acquiring an authentication(user) sub-input may then start to run once UI_(SEL) or UI_(ACT) isacquired, or once such turning on or selecting is performed (or startsto be performed). In addition, an overall shape, size, or layerconfiguration of a touch screen layer, a touch-ID element as well asthose of a directional input unit may be modified or altered as well.

A directional element receives a single user input and concurrentlyacquires UI_(SEL) and at least one of UI_(THEN) and UI_(ACT). When auser provides multiple concurrent UI_(SEL)'s, a directional element,with a touch screen layer, may acquire such multiple differentUI_(SEL)'s in various ways which are similar to those of the type-1 andtype-2 direction input units. A directional input unit may configure acertain area or side of a touch screen layer to be longer or wider thanother areas or sides thereof for acquiring UI_(SEL)'s so that, similarto that of FIG. 10C, a user may more easily provide a certain UI_(SEL)than other UI_(SEL)'s. Accordingly, a user may more conveniently providea certain UI_(SEL) which is matched or assigned to the mostfrequently-used pre-selected operation than the rest of UI_(SEL)'s whichare matched or assigned to less frequently-used pre-selected operations.Contrary to such examples, not all but only a portion of a touch screenlayer may receive a user input or acquire UI_(SEL) and generate acontrol signal as well. A touch screen layer may also define a shape ora size which may be different from those of other portions of a touch-IDelement.

A directional input unit may acquire UI_(SEL) and locate which one ofmultiple pre-selected operations to run by employing multiple prior art[if . . . then] comparisons or a single [switch' statement] with amulti-way branch as described above. In addition, a directional inputunit may concurrently acquire UI_(SEL) and at least one of other (user)sub-inputs such as UI_(THEN) or UI_(ACT), and may run such selecting,such authenticating, or such turning on. However, a terminal may runsuch operations either concurrently or in various sequences so that,when a terminal employs an authentication operation, a terminal may run(or start to run) such selecting or turning on as described inconjunction with the type-1 and type-2 direction input units. Incontrary, when a terminal does not employ an authentication operation, aterminal may run such selecting and turning on concurrently orsequentially, as described above. A terminal may employ multipleauthentication operations, or may use alternative or supplementalauthentication operations as described above. To the contrary, adirectional input unit may be modified or altered to not employ anyauthentication operation.

A terminal may also configure a directional input unit to receive asimplified user input and to acquire one or multiple (user) sub-inputstherefrom. In one example, a terminal may receive a single user input(or multiple concurrent user input), and its directional input unit mayacquire a 1^(st) number of (user) sub-inputs to run a 2^(nd) number ofoperations when or (immediately) after a terminal powers on, wakes up,or switches modes, where the 2^(nd) number is greater than the 1^(st)number, whereby a terminal still provides benefits of seamlessoperations to a user, whereby a manufacturer may fabricate a directionalinput unit at a lower cost or in a more compact shape or size. To thisend, a terminal may configure a directional input unit to utilize staticor dynamic features which may be inherent in a user input, or which maybe added to a user input. A terminal may assign or match each of suchmultiple features of a (user) sub-input with each of such multiplefeatures of another (user) sub-input, may assign or match each of suchmultiple features of a (user) sub-input with each of multiple hardwarefeatures of such an input unit, or the like. Therefore, various exampleexemplified in conjunction with the “simplified user inputs” may beapplied to this directional input unit of this sixth aspect.

9-4. Interchangeability

Although various embodiments or examples of this sixth exemplary aspectof this disclosure relate to various directional input units of a mobilecommunication terminal, it is appreciated that all of such embodimentsor examples equally apply to other mobile communication terminals eachof which includes a similar directional input unit or which includes atleast one input unit which operates like such directional input unitsand which is therefore capable of acquiring selecting (user) sub-inputs(UI_(SEL)). Thus, such embodiments or examples of this sixth exemplaryaspect may equally apply to any input unit which acquires UI_(SEL) aloneor in concurrency with at least one another (user) sub-inputs such asUI_(ACT) and UI_(THEN).

Configurational or operational variations (or modifications) of suchdirectional input units described in various embodiments or examples ofthis sixth exemplary aspect may be interchangeable in such a way thatcertain features of one embodiment or one example of this sixth aspectmay be applied to another embodiment or example of the same aspect.Other configurational or operational features of various directionalinput units of this sixth exemplary aspect and their variations ormodifications may [1] apply to, [2] be incorporated into, [3] bereplaced by, [4] replace, or [5] be combined with corresponding featuresof another exemplary aspect, embodiment or example of this disclosurewhich have been described heretofore or which will be describedhereinafter, subject to a certain modification, addition, and/oromission, each of which may become apparent based on detailed context ofthis sixth exemplary aspect or other exemplary aspects of thisdisclosure.

10. Notifying Selected Operations

In the seventh exemplary aspect of the disclosure, a mobilecommunication terminal may incorporate at least one “notice unit” whichinforms a user of various information related to selecting at least oneoperation to run when or (immediately) after a terminal powers on, wakesup, or switches modes. For example, a terminal may provide a user withinformation which is related to [1] which one of multiple pre-selectedoperations a terminal is to run once (or after) powering on, waking up,or switching modes, [2] which one of multiple selecting (user)sub-inputs (UI_(SEL)'s) a user is providing (or has provided) to adirectional input unit, [3] which one of multiple UI_(SEL)'s adirectional input unit is receiving (or has received), or the like. Thenotice unit may be configured to inform a user (or a terminal) of suchinformation in various means such as, e.g., by generating [1] “visualnotice signals,” [2] “audible notice signals,” [3] “tactile noticesignals” or a combination thereof.

10-1. Notice Units and Notice Signals—Visual

Such notice units and various notice signals offered thereby may bebeneficial to a user. For example, when a user provides a wrong orincorrect UI_(SEL), a terminal may power on or wake up and run anoperation which in fact is not an operation which a user has actuallyintended to run. In addition, a terminal may switch to a new mode whicha user has not intended. Such incorrect UI_(SEL) may not only cause aninconvenience on the part of a user but also mandate a user to takeactions to provide a correct UI_(SEL) to a directional input unit,usually through an additional, non-concurrent user input. In thisrespect, a notice unit may offer the benefit to a user [1] by informinga user which UI_(SEL) a user is providing (or has provided), [2] byinforming a user which one of multiple pre-selected operation is to berun once (or after) a terminal powers on, wakes up, or switches modesand by giving a user another chance of confirming which UI_(SEL) a useris providing (or has provided), [3] by even giving a user a chance ofrectifying an error or providing a correct UI_(SEL), or the like. As aresult, a terminal still provides a user with more convenient seamlessoperations, improves an accuracy of operations, provides a user with anopportunity to correct a wrong UI_(SEL) or an incorrect UI_(SEL), and totake a remedial action, or the like.

In one exemplary embodiment of this seventh exemplary aspect, a noticeunit may notify a user, with various visual, audible or tactile noticesignals, [1] which one of multiple UI_(SEL)'s a user has provided (or isproviding) to a directional input unit, [2] what additional (user)sub-inputs a user is providing (or has provided) to the input unit oranother non-directional input unit, [3] how many concurrent user inputsare provided (or have been provided) by a user to provide such UI_(SEL),[4] how many (user) sub-inputs are (or have been) provided by a useralong with such UI_(SEL), [5] what (user) sub-inputs are (or have been)provided concurrently with UI_(SEL), [6] which one of multiplepre-selected operations a terminal is going to run based on suchUI_(SEL) once powering on, waking up, or switching modes, or the like. Anotice unit may issue such visual, audible or tactile notice signals inone of various “noticing timings” as, e.g., (immediately) before,concurrently with, (immediately) after, or within a certain period oftime after [1] such turning on, [2] such authenticating, [3] suchselecting, or the like. Therefore, a user may confirm which UI_(SEL) heor she is providing and may rectify any error in case he or she madeone.

In another exemplary embodiment of this seventh exemplary aspect, anotice unit may take remedial actions in case a user commits a mistakein supplying a correct UI_(SEL) to a directional input unit (or anotherinput unit which may or may not be directional). For example, onceacquiring UI_(SEL), a notice unit may request a user to confirm anacquired UI_(SEL) and, when a user does not reply, presume the acquiredUI_(SEL) is a correct UI_(SEL). In case a user makes a correction orprovides a new UI_(SEL), a notice unit may update UI_(SEL), optionallyconfirm a newly acquired UI_(SEL) once again or just go ahead bypresuming a newly acquired UI_(SEL) to be a correct UI_(SEL). In anotherexample, a directional input unit may acquire UI_(SEL) and deliverUI_(SEL) (with or without confirmation from a user) to a terminal, but aterminal may not be able to locate or select any matching operation fromthe matching list (e.g., an acquired UI_(SEL) may not be included in thematching list or may not be matched with any of multiple pre-selectedoperations). In this case, a notice unit may start the aboveconfirmation procedure and may require a user to provide a new UI_(SEL).Alternatively, even if a terminal may not locate or select a matchingoperation from the matching list, a notice unit may still identify oneof such multiple pre-selected operations to be a presumably correctoperation based on other criteria such as, e.g., identifying anoperation of which UI_(SEL) is most similar to an acquired UI_(SEL),selecting an operation which is most frequently used by a user over acertain period, or locating an operation which a user has run in theprevious session, or the like. When a selecting operation is conditionedupon another operation such as, e.g., an authentication operation, aterminal may presume an incorrect entry of UI_(SEL) by a user as afailure of user authenticating and may perform one of various steps asdescribed above.

As is the case of incorrect entry of UI_(SEL) as explained in the aboveparagraph, a user may similarly supply an incorrect UI_(ACT) or anincorrect UI_(THEN) to a directional input unit or anothernon-directional input unit. In this case, a terminal may simply not turnon its display unit or not authenticate a current user. However, when adirectional input unit or another input unit is configured to receiveone (or more) of multiple UI_(ACT)'s or multiple UI_(THEN)'s in order to[1] manipulate such lighting features, [2] manipulate a proper accessauthority granted to a current user, or [3] acquire UI_(SEL) from one ofsuch multiple UI_(ACT)'s or UI_(THEN)'s, a terminal may repeat thoseprocedures in the preceding paragraph as well.

In another exemplary embodiment of the seventh exemplary aspect, anotice unit informs a user by providing him or her with various visualnotice signals and by informing which one of multiple pre-selectedoperations a user has requested (or is requesting) to run while or(immediately) after a terminal powers on, wakes up, or switches modes,which one of multiple UI_(SEL)'s he or she has entered (or is entering).To this end, a notice unit may display a visual notice signal directlythereon or a terminal may instead recruit a display unit as a noticeunit and display the visual notice signals thereon. In other words, anotice unit may include a display panel to display an image or a noticeunit may include at least one LED or other lighting elements to emitvisible light rays, if not displaying an image.

In one example, a notice (or display) unit may display at least one GUIor icon which represents a certain UI_(SEL) or a certain pre-selectedoperation matching such UI_(SEL). This notice (or display) unit maydisplay words (such as, e.g., words, texts or sentences) representing acertain UI_(SEL) or a certain pre-selected operation. In anotherexample, a notice unit or a display unit may display at least one screenthereon or may emit light rays therefrom, where such a screen or suchlight rays may include a certain “visual feature” (either static ordynamic) which represents a certain UI_(SEL) or a certain operation tobe selected after completing to run such a selecting operation, whereexamples of such features may include, but not limited to, a position, ashape, a size, a pattern, an orientation, an arrangement, a brightness,a color, a hue, or a combination thereof. With visual aids from suchvisual features, a user may confirm which UI_(SEL) he or she hasprovided to a directional input unit or which one of multiplepre-selected operations a terminal is going to run when or (immediately)after a terminal powers on, wakes up, or switches modes.

In another example, a notice unit may be directly incorporated into atleast a portion of a touch screen or, in the alternative, a touch screenmay be utilized as a notice unit. FIG. 13A shows a schematic view of atouch screen which serves as a notice unit as well. As depicted in thefigure, a terminal uses its touch screen-type display unit in order torequest a user to confirm whether an acquired UI_(SEL) (i.e., UI_(SEL)acquired from a single user input or multiple concurrent user inputs)corresponds to or matches an e-mail operation or whether a user desiresa terminal to run an e-mail operation when or (immediately) after itpowers on, wakes up, or switches modes.

A terminal may recruit an entire portion of a touch screen as a noticeunit or only a portion thereof as the notice unit. A terminal mayoptionally blink the word “e-mail,’ may use a special color for such aword, may change a size or a position of such a word for a preset periodof time or until receiving a user confirmation, or the like. A terminalmay further recruit different areas of a touch screen as a notice unitwhich may inform a user of additional UI_(SEL)'s or differentpre-selected operations to run after powering on, waking up, orswitching modes. Therefore, a notice unit may always display “EMAILS?”in a middle lower portion of a touch screen, while displaying “LOADCAMERA?” in an upper left corner thereof, or while displaying “SURE TOSWITCH TO A LOCK MODE?” across an entire portion of the touch screen. Atouch screen may also display words or sentences to inform a user ofwhat other (user) sub-inputs a user is providing (or has provided), whatother operations a terminal will run (or is to run), or the like.

In another exemplary embodiment of this seventh exemplary aspect, anotice unit may include therein one or multiple prior art LEDs or otherlighting elements. FIG. 13B shows a schematic view of a notice unitincluding three LEDs implemented in a vertical arrangement along a rightedge of a terminal. This notice unit may turn on or off such LEDs (54A)in a preset pattern for informing a user of different UI_(SEL)'s ordifferent operations to run when or (immediately) a terminal powers on,wakes up, or switches modes. Accordingly, the notice unit (54A) allows auser to confirm which one of multiple UI_(SEL)'s a user is providing (orhas provided) to a directional input unit, which one of multiplepre-selected operations a terminal is to run upon powering on, wakingup, or switching modes.

Similar to that of FIG. 13A, a notice unit (54A) may change a pattern ora sequence of turning on such LEDs to inform a user of differentUI_(SEL)'s. Therefore, a notice unit may turn on different LEDs withdifferent colors or brightness for different periods of time for each ofmultiple UI_(SEL)'s or pre-selected operations. A notice unit may turnon such LEDs in different sequences for each UI_(SEL) or pre-selectedoperation. When desirable, a notice unit may include a single LEDturning on and off, blinking on and off with or without a temporal gap,changing its color, or otherwise control different visual features, sothat even a single LED may generate different, unique notices to a user.Of course a notice unit may perform the same using multiple LEDs.

A notice unit may include such LEDs in almost any location on or arounda terminal as long as a user easily watches such LEDs. A terminal mayinclude multiple LEDs which may have the same or different shapes orsizes, which may emit lights of the same or different colors, hues orintensities, which may blink, or the like, in order to provide multipledifferent or unique visual notice signals to a user. A terminal mayfurther employ other prior art light-emitting elements to provide suchvisual notices to a user. When desirable, a terminal may inform a usernot only through such visual notice signals but also audible or tactilenotice signals as will be explained below.

In another exemplary embodiment of this seventh exemplary aspect, anotice unit may rather include at least one sub-screen which mayfunction as a supplemental display unit (e.g., by displaying therein animage or a text) or as an assembly of LEDs or other lighting elements.FIG. 13C shows a schematic view of a notice unit including a sub-screen(54B) may turn on or off, may blink (with or without a temporal gap),may change its color, may display words, sentences or images thereon, orthe like. Accordingly, operational characteristics of such LEDs in FIG.13C are similar or identical to those of a notice unit (54A) of FIG.13B. Similar to that of FIG. 13A, a sub-screen (54B) may also display atext as to which one of multiple UI_(SEL)'s a user is providing (or hasprovided), which one of multiple pre-selected operations is to be run(or is run) by a terminal in one of such timings, or the like.Accordingly, a notice unit of this kind may provide more detailed noticesignals to a user.

A notice unit (54B) may incorporate various sub-screens which correspondto variations of that of FIG. 13C. For example, a terminal mayincorporate any desired number of such notice units with sub-screens inalmost any location, as long as a user may easily see such. In addition,a terminal may apply such features of LEDs of FIG. 13B to such asub-screen so that a sub-screen may turn on and off in a preset pattern,may blink with or without any temporal gap, may change its color, or maymanipulate other different visual features thereof. A notice unit mayalso include any other prior art display elements as a sub-screen toprovide various visual notice signals to a user, including texts and anyimages which a user may see fit.

In another exemplary embodiment of this seventh exemplary aspect,another notice unit may include at least one sub-screen which maysimilarly function as that shown in FIG. 13C (e.g., as a supplementaldisplay unit or as an assembly of multiple LEDs or other lightingelements) but which substantially encircles a directional input unit.FIG. 13D depicts a schematic view of a notice unit including foursub-screens (54C) encircling an entire periphery of a directional inputunit (22) therein. Each sub-screen of the notice unit (54C) [1] maysimilarly turn on or off, [2] may blink (with or without a temporalgap), [3] may change its color, or [4] may function similar to those ofthe notice units of FIG. 13B or 13C. The notice unit may include anynumber of sub-screens each defining the same or different shapes orsizes, may display an image or a text, or may just emit visual lightrays while changing various visual features, or the like.

It is appreciated in each of the above examples that a notice unit mayprovide a user with such visual notice signals in real time so that auser may readily confirm which one of multiple UI_(SEL)'s a user isproviding in real time immediately after he or she manipulates adirectional input unit and provides UI_(SEL). In addition, a notice unitmay generate a new visual notice signal as a user provides a newUI_(SEL). For example, a user may move a movable portion of adirectional input unit toward a third quadrant while intending toprovide UI_(SEL-I) so that a terminal runs an operation of advancing toa unlock mode when or (immediately) after it powers on, wakes up, orswitches modes. Upon acquiring UI_(SEL-I), a terminal informs a userusing its notice unit that it acquired UI_(SEL-A).

When a user confirms that the acquired UI_(SEL-A) is UI_(SEL-1) which iswhat he or she intended, a user provides a confirmation signal to aterminal which may thereafter run the intended operation when or(immediately) after powering on, waking up, or switching modes. Or aterminal may proceed to run the intended operation when a user does notprovide a new UI_(SEL) within a preset period. When a user finds outthat an acquired UI_(SEL-A) does not match his or her intendedUI_(SEL-I), a terminal may allow a user to take a remedial action suchas, e.g., providing a correct UI_(SEL-1) once again. A terminal mayrepeat the above steps before running the intended operation when or(immediately) after it powers on, wakes up, or switches modes.

It is also appreciated in each of the above examples that a notice unitmay not only provide a user with such visual notice signals but alsoinform a user of a new visual notice signal in real time when a usercorrects an old UI_(SEL) with a new UI_(SEL) seamlessly. In one example,a user moves a movable portion of a directional input unit toward a2^(nd) quadrant while intending to provide UI_(SEL-2) such that aterminal runs a navigation operation when or (immediately) after itpowers on, wakes up, or switches modes. In response thereto, a terminalinforms a user with its notice unit that it just acquired UI_(SEL-A).Upon confirming that the acquired UI_(SEL-A) is what he or she intended,a user provides a confirmation signal to a terminal which then runs theintended operation after powering on, waking up, or switching modes. Aterminal may instead proceed to run the intended operation if a userdoes not provide a new UI_(SEL) within a preset period of time. As auser finds out that UI_(SEL-A) which is acquired by a directional inputunit does not match UI_(SEL-2) intended by a user, he or she may provideUI_(SEL-2) again while continuing to hold or otherwise manipulate amovable portion of a directional input unit with the same or differentbody part. A terminal may then inform a user with a newly acquiredUI_(SEL) and a user may confirm UI_(SEL) or may provide an additionalcorrection. This arrangement provides a user with more convenientseamless operations, for a user can see which UI_(SEL) he or she isproviding to a directional input unit in real time.

10-2. Notice Units and Notice Signals—Audible

In another exemplary embodiment of this seventh exemplary aspect, anotice unit may provide audible notice signals using, e.g., at least onespeaker of an output member of a terminal or at least one additionalspeaker. A notice unit may generate various audible sounds such as,e.g., [1] sounds which represent a certain UI_(SEL) according to apre-determined 1-to-1 or m-to-n matching between each of multipledifferent UI_(SEL)'s and each of multiple sounds, [2] sounds whichrepresent each of multiple pre-selected operations which a terminal isto run when or (immediately) after it powers on, wakes up, or switchesmodes, [3] oral instructions representing one of multiple UI_(SEL)'swhich a user has provided (or is providing), [4] oral instructions whichtell a user which one of multiple pre-selected operation a terminal will(is to) run in one of such timings of the above [2], or [5] acombination of the above. By delivering the audible notice signals, auser may ascertain which UI_(SEL) has been provided, which one ofmultiple pre-selected operations a user has selected, or the like. Whenfeasible, a terminal may include a voice control mode which allows auser to cancel a wrong UI_(SEL) and to provide a correct UI_(SEL) to adirectional input unit via sound signals or various other user inputs.

Similar to those visual notice units of FIGS. 13A to 13D (i.e., thosenotice units capable of generating various visual notice signals), anaudible notice unit capable of generating various and unique audiblenotice signals may manipulate a certain static or dynamic “audiblefeature” of the audible signals so as to generate multiple, differentaudible notice signals. For example, a notice unit may manipulate aloudness of an audible signal, a tone of the signal, a length thereof,or other features related to a shape of a waveform of the audiblesignal. Accordingly, a notice unit may include an equalizer tomanipulate a frequency distribution of such a signal, a shape of awaveform (e.g., a musical instrumental sound, a metallic sound, a smoothsound, a coarse sound, or the like.

A terminal may include various hardware elements to generate the audiblenotice signals, e.g., by recruiting its own speaker of an output member,by incorporating an additional speaker only for generating the audiblenotice signals, or the like, where the additional speaker may be aspeaker which may be simpler, smaller or cheaper than the speaker of anoutput member, or where an additional speaker may only generate beeps.In one case, a notice unit may generate a single beep of differenttones, durations, loudness or other features related to a shape of thewaveforms of the beeps as described above.

In another case, a notice unit may generate a train of beeps whilevarying various features of the train of beeps to inform a user of whichmode he or she is in. In another case, a terminal may change a number ofbeeps included in a single train, an interval between such beeps in thetrain of beeps, an interval between two trains, a duration of each beepin a train or each train, a ratio of various features of the beep (e.g.,a ratio of loudness of adjacent beeps, a ration of durations of adjacentbeeps, or the like).

10-3. Notice Units and Notice Signals—Tactile

In another exemplary embodiment of this seventh exemplary aspect, anotice unit may provide tactile notice signals using, e.g., at least onevibrator of an output member of a terminal or at least one additionalvibrator. A notice unit may generate various tactile notice signals suchas, e.g., [1] vibrations denoting a certain UI_(SEL) based on a matchingbetween each of multiple different vibrations with each of multipleUI_(SEL)'s, [2] vibrations representing a certain pre-selected operationwhich a terminal is to run (or will run) after powering on, waking up,or switching modes, or the like. With such tactile notice signals, auser may confirm which UI_(SEL) he or she is providing (or hasprovided), which one of multiple pre-selected operations a user hascommanded (or is commanding) a terminal to run when or (immediately)after the terminal powers on, wakes up, or switches modes. Whenfeasible, a terminal may allow a user to cancel wrong or incorrectUI_(SEL) and to provide new UI_(SEL) or other (user) sub-inputs to adirectional input unit, e.g., by informing a user with various tactilesignals. A notice unit may generate various tactile notice signals asfar as a user can feel and tell differences among such different tactilenotice signals. Therefore, a notice unit may generate continuous tactilesignals, may insert a temporal gap therealong, may change amplitudes orfrequencies of such tactile signals, or may change types of suchsignals.

Similar to various visual and audible notice units, a tactile noticeunit for generating the tactile notice signals may manipulate a certain“tactile feature” (either static or dynamic) of such tactile noticesignals to generate multiple tactile notice signals. For example, anotice unit may manipulate an amplitude (or a magnitude) of a tactilesignal, a length of the signal, other static or dynamic features relatedto a shape of a waveform of the tactile signal, or the like. Thereby, atactile notice unit may generate various tactile notice signals such as,e.g., vibrations, oscillations or rotations, for informing a user ofeach of multiple UI_(SEL)'s. A tactile notice unit may also generate apulse train of multiple tactile notice signals and manipulate, e.g., anumber of the tactile signals in a single train, a number of temporalgaps in a single train, a duration of a single train, a duration of eachof multiple trains, or the like.

A terminal may include various electromechanical notice units forgenerating such vibrations or other tactile notice signals. For example,a terminal may use its own vibrator of an output member to generate thetactile notice signals. Alternatively, a terminal may include anadditional vibrator which may be simpler, cheaper or smaller than thevibrator of the output member, where the additional vibrator may beincorporated to any location of a terminal as long as a user may feelsuch vibrations while holding a terminal with a hand or placing theterminal nearby.

It is appreciated that various notice units do not have to beimplemented into a terminal and that such visual, audible or tactilenotice signals do not have to be generated by a display unit, a speakeror a vibrator each of which is included in an output member of aterminal. In other words, a terminal may recruit external devices (i.e.,those implemented not inside a terminal but external thereto) togenerate such visual, audible or tactile notice signals and then todeliver the notice signals to a user. In one case, a terminal mayrecruit a wearable device worn by a user so that, when a terminal sendsa control signal to the wearable device, such a device generatescorresponding visual, audible or tactile notice signals and deliverssuch signals to a user, where examples of such wearable devices mayinclude, but not limited to, a watch, a glove, a wrist or arm band, aring, a goggle, a pair of glasses, a helmet, a hat, a belt, a necklace,a bracelet, an earring, a nail, a shoe, and any other devices portablyworn by a user.

10-4. Notice Units for Other Purposes

In another exemplary embodiment of this seventh exemplary aspect, anotice unit may provide a user with a warning or a confirmation whetheror not a terminal has received a proper user input, or whether or notsuch a terminal has acquired a proper (user) sub-input or a proper setof multiple (user) sub-inputs. To this end, a notice unit may use any ofthe above visual, audible or tactile notice signals.

In one example, a notice unit may provide a user with one of the abovevisual, audible or tactile notice signal such that a user can confirmwhether or not he or she has provided a proper user input. Accordingly,when a terminal receives a proper user input, the terminal may proceedto a next step of operation or provide one of such signals to a user.When a terminal fails to receive a proper user input, however, aterminal may provide a warning signal to a user, where such a warningsignal may be visual, audible or tactile.

Alternatively, a terminal may use a notice unit or a display unit whichhas received a user input as a notice unit. In response thereto, a usermay confirm that he or she has provided the user input which he or sheintended. When the user identifies any error in the user input, he orshe may then rectify the error by correcting the wrong user input or mayprovide another user input anew.

In another example, a notice unit may provide a user with one of suchvisual, audible or tactile notice signals so that a user can confirmwhether or not the user has provided a proper (user) sub-input.Accordingly, when a terminal acquires a proper (user) sub-input, theterminal may proceed to a next step of operation or provide one of suchsignals to a user. A terminal may use a notice unit or a display unitwhich has received a (user) sub-input as a notice unit. In responsethereto, a user may confirm that he or she has provided the (user)sub-input which he or she intended. When the user identifies an error inthe (user) sub-input, he or she may rectify the error by correcting thewrong (user) sub-input or may provide another (user) sub-input anew.

When a terminal fails to acquire a proper (user) sub-input, however, aterminal may provide a warning signal to a user, where such a warningsignal may be visual, audible or tactile. More particularly, when aterminal expects to acquire a certain number of (user) sub-inputs butfails to acquire one of such (user) input-signals, a terminal may notifya user which (user) sub-input a terminal has not received or theterminal has not been able to recognize. In response thereto, he or shemay correct the wrong (user) sub-input or may provide another (user)sub-input anew.

10-5. Interchangeability

Although the foregoing embodiments or examples of this seventh exemplaryaspect relate to various notice units used in conjunction with variousdirectional input units of a mobile communication terminal in general,it is appreciated that all of such embodiments or examples of thisseventh aspect may equally apply to another mobile communicationterminal which incorporates at least one of such directional input unitsor at least one non-directional input unit which operates like suchdirectional input units and, therefore, capable of acquiring UI_(SEL)and at least one another (user) sub-input concurrently as describedabove. Therefore, such embodiments or examples of this seventh exemplaryaspect equally apply to any directional or non-directional input unit ofa terminal capable of acquiring UI_(SEL) alone or in concurrency with atleast one another (user) sub-input such as UI_(ACT) and UI_(THEN), orany other input unit which acquires at least one (user) sub-inputs suchas UI_(ACT) and UI_(THEN) but does not acquire UI_(SEL).

Configurational or operational variations (or modifications) of suchnotice units described in such exemplary embodiments or examples of thisseventh exemplary aspect may be interchangeable so that certain featuresof one embodiment or example of this seventh aspect may be applied toother embodiments or examples of the same aspect. Other configurationalor operational features of such notice units of this seventh exemplaryaspect and various variations or modifications thereof may [1] apply to,[2] be incorporated into, [3] replace, [4] be replaced by, or [5] becombined with related features of another exemplary aspect, embodimentor example of this disclosure which have been described heretofore orwill be described hereinafter, subject to certain modifications,additions, or omissions, each of which may be apparent based on detailedcontext of this seventh exemplary aspect or other exemplary aspects ofthis disclosure.

11. Alternatives or Further Details of Directional Input Units

Various directional input units and a mobile communication terminalincorporating the directional input units acquire UI_(SEL) from at leastone movement of at least one movable portion of the directional inputunit. As a result, a user may cause the movement by directly, e.g.,pressing, pushing, pulling, pivoting, rotating, sliding, or deformingthe movable portion of the directional input unit. Alternatively, a usermay cause such a movement by directly or indirectly applying mechanical,electrical, or magnetic energy to the movable portion of such an inputunit.

11-1. Acquiring Selecting (User) Sub-Inputs

In one exemplary embodiment of this eighth exemplary aspect, adirectional input unit may acquire at least one UI_(SEL) [1] directlyfrom a movement, [2] indirectly from a movement, i.e., indirectly fromat least one static or dynamic feature of such a movement, or the like.A directional input unit generates at least one control signal whichcorresponds to an acquired UI_(SEL) and sends the control signal to aterminal. In response thereto, a terminal runs a “selecting operation”for selecting or identifying at least one pre-selected operation fromthe matching list (i.e., matching each of multiple UI_(SEL)'s to each ofmultiple pre-selected operations based upon a 1-to-1 matching, m-to-1matching, 1-to-n matching or m-to-n matching) in various “timings” suchas, e.g., [1] concurrently with or (immediately) after the movement, [2]concurrently with or (immediately) after receiving a single user input(or multiple concurrent user inputs), [3] concurrently with or(immediately) after acquiring UI_(SEL) from a single user input (ormultiple concurrent user inputs), or [4] concurrently with or(immediately) after sending a control signal to a terminal.

In the eighth exemplary aspect of this disclosure, directional inputunits and mobile communication terminals incorporating such input unitsmay be fabricated in different configurations, may operate in differentorders or sequences, or may include different hardware or softwareelements.

More particularly, a directional input unit may acquire UI_(SEL) orgenerate a control signal based upon various static or dynamic featuresof the movement, where examples of such features may include, but notlimited to, [1] a direction of the movement, [2] a velocity or anacceleration thereof, [3] a pattern or a sequence thereof, [4] aposition before or after the movement, [5] a displacement caused by themovement, or [6] other static or dynamic features.

A directional input unit may instead acquire UI_(SEL) or generate acontrol signal based on movements of such movable portions of adirectional unit. For example, a directional input unit may acquireUI_(SEL) from opening or closing of electrical contacts to break or format least one electrical connection, from opening or closing of opticalcontacts for breaking or forming at least one optical connection, fromopening or closing of magnetic contacts to break or form at least onemagnetic connection, or the like. In addition, a directional input unitmay also acquire UI_(SEL) from changing electrical, optical or magneticproperties of each of such contacts.

Conversely, a manufacturer of a terminal or a directional input unit maydetermine how a user manipulates a movable portion of a directionalinput unit for providing a certain UI_(SEL). Based thereon, adirectional input unit may be configured to operate according to acertain mechanism so that a user may manipulate a direction of amovement of at least one movable portion of a directional input unit, avelocity or an acceleration thereof, a pattern or a sequence thereof, adisplacement caused thereby, a position before or after such a movement,or other static or dynamic features of the movement. Followingdescriptions provide detailed embodiments or examples of severalrepresentative movements, e.g., translating, pivoting, rotating, or thelike.

11-2. Acquiring Selecting (User) Sub-Inputs from Translating Movements

In another exemplary embodiment of this eighth exemplary aspect, adirectional input unit may acquire UI_(SEL) by various translatingmovements caused by a user. Examples of such translating movements mayinclude, but not limited to, [1] a translating movement of at least onemovable portion of a directional input unit which is caused by a bodypart of a user (or a non-user object), [2] a translating movement of auser body part (or a non-user object) with respect to at least onestationary portion of a directional input unit, [3] the translatingmovement of the above [1] or [2], where the movement changes at leastone of its static or dynamic features during such a movement whilemaintaining (or continuing) a contact between such a portion of adirectional input unit and a user body part (or a non-user object), or[4] a translating movement of at least one body part of a user (or atleast one non-user object) while the user or non-user object does notcontact any directional input unit, or the like. Although followingdescriptions relate to such translating movements of the movable portionof a directional input unit, following descriptions readily applies toother translating movements which are different from those of the above[2] to [4].

FIG. 14A is a schematic view of a directional input unit which isencircled by an exemplary notice unit of FIG. 13D. As shown in thefigure, a notice unit includes four sub-screens (54C) disposed in anorth-west quadrant, a south-west quadrant, a north-east quadrant, and asouth-east quadrant, and also indicates that each of the quadrants maybe assigned to (or match with) each of four pre-selected operations suchas, e.g., Operations A, B, C, and D.

When a user applies a user input to a movable portion (23) of adirectional input unit in a horizontal direction or when a user appliesa user input at an angle (or in a transverse direction) in order toguarantee that a user input force includes a non-zero verticalcomponent, a movable portion (23) begins to translate, e.g., toward asouth-west quadrant as described by an arrow shown in the figure. Bycontacting or pushing (or continuing to contact or push) the movableportion (23), a user may slide, displace, translate, push or otherwisemove the movable portion (23) with a user body part (or a non-userobject) in a certain direction, e.g., approaching a south-west quadrantin a south-west direction, over a certain distance. Once a usercompletes to cause such a translating movement, he or she may detach auser body part (or a non-user object) therefrom, whereby a user mayprovide a directional input unit with a single translating user inputwhich includes UI_(SEL) therein and one or multiple other (user)sub-inputs of his or her choice.

Because a translating movement involves a translation of a movableportion of a directional input unit along a lateral direction, a userneeds to push, slide or otherwise translate the portion of thedirectional input unit while a user continues to contact such a portion.Accordingly, the translating movement is usually completed when a userdetaches his or her body part from such a portion of the directionalinput unit. However, a user does not have to rotate such a portion anddoes not necessarily have to press such a portion for providing a userinput causing the translating movement. Accordingly, a movement path ofa translating movement may be straight or curvilinear or may lie in a2-D area or in a 3-D space. It is appreciated that a directional inputunit may be configured that, as a user applies a translating user input,a movable portion may start to move and then continue to move even aftera user detaches his or her body part therefrom to some extents. In thiscase, the translating movement may be completed within a certain periodof time after a user detaches his or her body part therefrom.

As a directional input unit receives a user input which causes atranslating movement of its movable portion or which accompanies atranslating movement of at least one user body part (or non-user object)on or over a surface of a movable or stationary portion of a directionalinput unit, such an input unit may acquire UI_(SEL) directly from thetranslating movement, indirectly from a static or dynamic feature ofsuch a movement, or the like. Therefore, a directional input unit maysense a position or a movement of a movable portion of such an inputunit, a user body part, or a non-user object thereon (or thereover)from, e.g., mechanical, electrical, magnetic or optical properties of amovable portion of a directional input unit, a user body part or anon-user object or changes in such properties as described above. Basedthereon, a directional input unit generates at least one control signalcorresponding to UI_(SEL) by, e.g., forming an electrical connection bycontacting a pair of abutting electrical contacts provided to a press(or touch)-ID element and to a directional element of such an inputunit. A terminal then receives the control signal denoting UI_(SEL) andruns at least one selected operation which matches the control signal(or UI_(SEL)) from the matching list.

It is appreciated that such directional input units exemplified in FIGS.10A to 10E and FIGS. 11A and 11B are capable of receiving varioustranslating user inputs which translate a movable portion of such aninput unit. In addition, the directional input unit exemplified in FIG.12 is capable of receiving a user input corresponding to a movement of auser body part with respect to such an input unit. It is appreciatedthat such a directional input unit for receiving a translating userinput may also receive other user inputs or may acquire other (user)sub-inputs different from UI_(SEL), depending upon its configuration oroperating mechanisms.

It is appreciated that a translating movement of a movable portion of adirectional input unit or of a user body part is substantially in adirection which is transverse (even if not exactly 90° thereto) to avertical axis of the input unit. In this context, a translating movementgenerally includes any movements in any lateral (i.e., non-vertical)direction. A translating movement may be obtained due to various reasonssuch as when, e.g.,[1] a user applies a user input force in at least asubstantially lateral direction, [2] a directional input unit guides itsmovable portion in at least a substantially lateral direction, [3] acontour of a surface of a directional input unit extends in a lateraldirection so that a user body part which moves along the contour of sucha surface also moves in at least a substantially lateral direction, or[4] when a user input force applied to a directional input unit at anangle includes at least some lateral (or horizontal) force component,regardless of a magnitude of a vertical force component thereof.

The above descriptions of this exemplary embodiment may also apply tovarious directional input units which receive a user input from atranslating movement of at least one user body part with respect to adirectional input unit or that of at least one non-user object withrespect thereto, e.g., those translating movements of [2] to [4] in thepreceding paragraph. It is appreciated, however, that a directionalinput unit capable of receiving a translating user input from [3] of theabove paragraph does not typically include any movable portion but thatanother directional input unit for receiving a translating user input of[4] of the above paragraph may or may not include a movable portion.When various descriptions of this exemplary embodiment are applied to adirectional input unit capable of receiving a translating user input of[4] of the above paragraph, a user may provide such a translating userinput at a distance from a directional input unit. Accordingly, aterminal may receive such a user input by recruiting a camera to take animage of a user body part or non-user object, a microphone to acquiresounds or other hardware elements capable of obtaining such translatinguser inputs of a user body part or a non-user object.

11-3. Acquiring Selecting (User) Sub-Inputs from Pivoting Movements

In another exemplary embodiment of this eighth exemplary aspect, adirectional input unit may acquire UI_(SEL) from various pivotingmovements caused by a user. Examples of such pivoting movements mayinclude, but not limited to, a pivoting movement of [1] at least onemovable portion of such an input unit about a center of pivoting (i.e.,a pivoting center), [2] at least one user body part with respect to adirectional input unit along a pivoting path while he or she continuesto contact or to press at least a portion of a directional input unit,[3] at least one non-user object held by a user with respect to adirectional input unit along a pivoting path while the non-user objectcontinues to contact or to press at least a portion of a directionalinput unit, or [4] at least one body part of a user or at least onenon-user object while the user or the object generates such a pivotingmovement at a certain distance from a directional input unit while notcontacting any portion of such an input unit. Although followingdescriptions relate to the pivoting movements of the movable portion ofa directional input unit, following descriptions may be applied todifferent pivoting movements of the above [2] through [4] of thisparagraph.

A user may cause a pivoting movement of at least one movable portion ofa directional input unit when he or she pivots a movable portion about apivoting center while continuing to contact and to push such a movableportion. In other words, a user may push, pull or otherwise move themovable portion about the pivot center by contacting it with at leastone body part and continue to do so along a direction of his or herchoice. Once, a user detaches his or her body part and, thereby, a userprovides a single pivoting user input to a directional input unit, whileaccompanying therewith one or multiple (user) sub-inputs. To this end, amovable portion of a directional input unit generally includes a handleor a protruding part either of which extends outwardly from the inputunit and is shaped and sized to be grabbed by a user. In addition,either of the handle or part is coupled to a pivot center so that a usermay [1] protract or retract the handle or portion, [2] rotate or twistthe handle or portion, [3] extend or adduct the handle or portion, or[4] abduct or flex the handle or portion. A prior art joystick is atypical example of this directional input unit.

In general, a path of a pivoting movement is curvilinear or lies in a3-D spherical coordinate. It is appreciated that a directional inputunit may be configured to allow a movable portion to start to move andto continue to move even after a user detaches a body part from such aportion. In this case, a pivoting movement may be deemed to be completedwithin a certain period of time after a user detaches his or her bodypart therefrom.

Upon receiving a pivoting movement of its movable portion, a directionalinput unit may acquire UI_(SEL) directly from a pivoting movement,indirectly from a static or dynamic feature of the pivoting movement, orthe like. Thus, a directional input unit may sense a position (or apivoting movement) of a movable portion thereon (or thereover) fromelectrical, magnetic or optical properties of the movable portion orfrom temporal or spatial changes in such properties, as described above.Based thereupon, a directional input unit generates at least one controlsignal representing UI_(SEL) by, e.g., forming at least one electricalconnection by contacting a pair of abutting electrical contacts providedto a press (or touch)-ID element and to a directional element of such aninput unit. A terminal may then receive the control signal denotingUI_(SEL) and may run at least one selected operation which may match thecontrol signal (or UI_(SEL)) from the matching list.

FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary directional inputunit capable of receiving a pivoting user input from a pivoting movementof its movable portion. As described in the figure, a directional inputunit (22) includes a press-ID element (23) and a directional element(24), where the former (23) includes a pivot stem (23P) which pivotsaround a pivot joint or a pivoting center (24P). The directional inputunit (22) may similarly be encircled by a notice unit of FIG. 14A,thereby informing a user which one of multiple UI_(SEL)'s a user hasprovided (or is providing) or which one of multiple pre-selectedoperations is to be run by a terminal when or (immediately) after theterminal powers on, wakes up, or switches modes.

In operation, a user supplies a user input to an upper portion of apress-ID element (23) of the input unit (22) by pushing, pulling orotherwise sliding a press-ID element (23), substantially along ahorizontal direction. In response to such a lateral force exertedthereto, a pivot joint (24P) prevents a pivot stem (23P) from moving inthe lateral direction. As a result, a press-ID element (23) pivots aboutthe pivot joint (24P). It is appreciated that a vertical user input maynot move a press-ID element (23), for a vertical force associatedtherewith may not move such an element (23) in any direction at all.However, when a user presses a press-ID element (23) at an angle, alateral or horizontal component of a user input force may pivot thepress-ID element (23).

As a press-ID element (23) pivots toward, e.g., a northwestern quadrant,an electrical contact (23E) disposed therein moves closer to an opposingelectrical contact (24E) of a directional element (24) and, when pivotedbeyond a certain angle or distance, forms an electrical connectiontherewith. Upon detecting formation of an electrical connection in thenorthwestern quadrant, a directional input unit acquires UI_(SEL-NW). Inother words, out of a set of four quadrants such as a north-easternquadrant (denoted by UI_(SEL-NE)), a north-west quadrant (denoted byUI_(SEL-NW)), a south-east quadrant (denoted by UI_(SEL-SE)), and asouth-west quadrant (denoted by UI_(SEL-SW)), a directional input unitmay locate or identify that an electrical connection formed in responseto a user input corresponds to UI_(SEL-NW). A directional input unitthen generates a control signal which informs a terminal that anacquired selecting (user) sub-input is UI_(SEL-NW). Out of fourpre-selected operations such as a 1^(st) operation matched toUI_(SEL-NE), a 2^(nd) operation matched to UI_(SEL-NW), a 3^(rd)operation matched to UI_(SEL-SE), a 4^(th) operation matched toUI_(SEL-SW), a terminal locates or identifies the 3^(rd) operation asthe one matching such UI_(SEL-NW), and then runs the 3^(rd) operation inone of such “timings” as described above. Once a user pivots a press-IDelement (23) to a certain distance or angle, a user detaches his or herfinger from a directional input unit, thereby completes providing asingle user input to such an input unit.

When a user provides the single user input and a directional input unit(22) pivots to the north-west quadrant, a 1^(st) elastic element (24F)disposed in the north-west quadrant is compressed to its biased state,whereas a 2^(nd) elastic element (24F) disposed in the opposite,south-east quadrant is stretched to its biased state. When a usercompletes providing the single pivoting user input, a 1^(st) elasticelement (24F) may recoil back to a rest state, while a 2^(nd) elasticelement (24F) may also recoil back to its rest state, thereby returninga press-ID unit (23) to its rest state. Once a control signal isdelivered, a terminal runs at least one selected operation which isselected from a matching list and which corresponds to UI_(SEL) includedin the user input.

It is noted that a pivoting press-ID (or touch-ID) element may beimplemented in different configurations. For example, a pivot joint maybe implemented into not (always) at a center of a bottom of such anelement but elsewhere, such as, e.g., at an off-center position of thebottom, along a side of such an element, on (or near) a top of such anelement or other positions of the element as far as such configurationsallow a user to apply a user input and as far as such an element maypivot in response thereto. Once a position of a pivot joint is decided,a pivot stem of a suitable shape or size may be implemented basedthereon. A directional input unit including a press-ID (or touch-ID)element may include various features of other embodiments of this aspectsuch that a press-ID (or touch-ID) element may translate while pivoting,may pivot while rotating, or the like.

11-4. Acquiring Selecting (User) Sub-Inputs from Rotating Movements

In another exemplary embodiment of this eighth exemplary aspect, adirectional input unit may acquire UI_(SEL) from various rotatingmovements caused by a user. Examples of such rotating movements mayinclude, e.g., a rotating movement of [1] at least one movable portionof a directional input unit about a center of rotation (i.e., a rotationcenter), [2] at least one user body part with respect to a directionalinput unit along a rotating path while a user continues to contact or topress at least a portion of a directional input unit, [3] at least onenon-user object held by a user with respect to such an input unit alonga rotating path (e.g., along an oval or circular path) while such anobject may continue to contact or to press at least a portion of adirectional input unit, [4] at least one body part of a user or at leastone non-user object while such a user or non-user object does notcontact any portion of a directional input unit. Although followingdescriptions relate to the rotating movements of a movable portion ofsuch an input unit, following descriptions may be readily applied toother rotating movements of the above [2], [3] or [4] of this paragraph.

FIG. 14C shows a schematic view of a directional input unit which isencircled by an exemplary notice unit of FIG. 13D. As depicted in thefigure, an exemplary notice unit includes four sub-screens (54C)disposed in a north-west quadrant, a south-west quadrant, a north-eastquadrant, and a south-east quadrant, and indicates that each of suchquadrants is assigned to (or matches with) Operations A, B, C, and D,respectively. A user causes a rotating movement of at least one movableportion (23) of a directional input unit as a user rotates such amovable portion (23) about a rotating center in a clockwise direction ora counter-clockwise direction, while continuing to contact and to pushthe movable portion (23). That is, a user may turn, twist or otherwiserotate such a movable portion (23) about the rotating center bycontacting it with at least one body part and continue to do so along adirection of his or her choice.

Once a user completes providing a rotating movement, a user detaches hisor her body part, whereby a user provides a single rotating user inputto a directional input unit, while including therein at least one (user)sub-inputs. To facilitate such providing, a movable portion of such aninput unit may include at least one handle or protruding portion whichextends outwardly from a directional input unit and which is shaped andsized to be grabbed by a user. In addition, such a handle or portion iscoupled to a rotating center so that a user may [1] protract or retracta handle or portion while rotating such, [2] rotate or twist the handleor the portion, [3] extend or adduct such a handle or portion whilerotating such, or [4] abduct or flex the handle or portion whilerotating such. A conventional track-ball, rotary switch or rotary knobmay be examples of the directional input units.

A rotating movement typically involves rotations of at least one movableportion of a directional input unit, but may not necessarily accompanyany translating movement of an entire (or at least one) portion of apress-ID (or touch-ID) element, or may not include any pivoting movementof an entire (or at least one) portion thereof. Accordingly, a userneeds to rotate, angularly push or pull, or otherwise rotate a movableportion of the input unit about a rotating center while continuing tocontact the movable portion. Therefore, a rotating movement is completedwhen a user detaches a user body part from a movable portion of adirectional input unit. But a user does not necessarily press or pushthe movable portion to provide a rotating user input.

Because a user rotates a movable portion about a rotating center, amovement path of a rotating movement is generally angular or lies in a3-D spherical or cylindrical coordinate. When a user applies a rotatinguser input, a movable portion of a directional input unit may beconfigured to start to rotate and to continue to rotate even after auser detaches a user body part therefrom. In this case, the rotatingmovement may be deemed to have been completed within a certain period oftime after a user detaches his or her body part therefrom.

Upon applying a rotating movement to a movable portion, a directionalinput unit acquires UI_(SEL) directly from a rotating movement, orindirectly from at least one static feature or dynamic feature of arotating movement. Therefore, a directional input unit senses a position(or a rotating movement) of a movable portion based on [1] a mechanical,electrical, magnetic or optical property of such a movable portion, or[2] from a temporal or spatial change in such a property as describedabove. In response thereto, a directional input unit generates at leastone control signal which denotes UI_(SEL) by, e.g., forming anelectrical connection by contacting a pair of abutting electricalcontacts implemented on a press-ID (or touch-ID) element and to adirectional element of a directional input unit. A terminal thenreceives the control signal representing UI_(SEL) and runs at least oneselected operation which may match the control signal (or UI_(SEL)) fromthe matching list.

FIG. 14D is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary directional inputunit capable of receiving a rotating user input from a rotating movementof its movable portion. As described in the figure, a directional inputunit (22) includes a press-ID (or touch-ID) element (23) and adirectional element (24), where the former element (23) includes arotating stem (23Q) around which at least one movable portion thereofrotates. That is, a rotating stem (23Q) acts as a rotating joint or arotating center of such a rotating movement.

In operation, a user decides to which one of an upper portion and alower portion of a press-ID (or touch-ID) element (23) of a directionalinput unit (22) a user may provide a single user input. For example, auser may provide a single user input to an upper portion of a press-ID(or touch-ID) element (23) by touching, turning, twisting or otherwiserotating a press-ID (or touch-ID) element (23) in an angular direction.In response to an angular user input force exerted thereto, a rotatingstem (24Q) rotates about a desired angle. It is noted that a rotatingstem (24Q) may be provided in a center of a press-ID (or touch)-IDelement (23) or in an off-center position thereof. It is also noted thata user input applied in a vertical direction may not rotate a press-ID(or touch)-ID element (23), for a vertical force associated with avertical user input may not rotate such an element (23) along anyangular direction at all. However, as a user presses a press-ID (ortouch-ID) element (23) at an angle, an angular component of the userinput force may begin to rotate a press-ID (or touch-ID) element (23).

As a user begins to rotate a press-ID (or touch-ID) element (23) in aclockwise or counter-clockwise direction, an electrical contact (23E) ofsuch an element (23) rotates closer to an opposing electrical contact(24E) of a directional element (24). When a user rotates the element(23) beyond a certain angle or more than a preset distance, anelectrical contact (23E) of a press-ID (or touch-ID) element (23) formsan electrical connection with that of a directional element (24E). Upondetecting the electrical connection formed, e.g., in the northern orupper hemisphere, a directional input unit acquires UI_(SEL-N). That is,from a set of two hemispheres such as one in the North (assigned to,e.g., UI_(SEL-N)) and another in the South (assigned to, e.g.,UI_(SEL-S)), a directional input unit identifies that an electricalconnection formed in the “North” in response to a user input correspondsto UI_(SEL-N).

A directional input unit then generates a control signal which informs aterminal of acquiring a selecting (user) sub-input which corresponds toUI_(SEL-N). Out of two pre-selected operations such as, e.g., Operation1 which is matched to UI_(SEL-S) and Operation 2 which is matched toUI_(SEL-N), a terminal locates or identifies Operation 2 as the onematching the UI_(SEL-N), and runs Operation 1 when or (immediately)after it powers on, wakes up, or switches modes. When a user detaches afinger from a directional input unit (or all body parts therefrom when auser has used or manipulated multiple body parts to provide a singleuser input or multiple concurrent user inputs), a user completesproviding the user input to a directional input unit. In responsethereto, an elastic element (24F) uses its recoil force to return itselfas well as a press-ID (or touch-ID) element (23) back to its rest state.

It is noted that a rotating press-ID (or touch-ID) element may beimplemented in different configurations. For example, a rotating joint(or rotating center) may be disposed into not always at a center of abottom of the element but elsewhere, such as, e.g., at an off-centerposition of the bottom, along a side of the element, on (or near) a topof the element or other positions of the element as far as suchconfigurations allow a user to apply a user input and the element canrotate in response thereto. Once a position of a rotating joint isfixed, a rotating stem of a suitable shape or size is implementedaccordingly. A rotating stem may be enclosed inside a holder (not shownin the figure), where a user indirectly rotates a press-ID (or touch-ID)element by directly rotating such a holder.

In addition, a directional input unit including a press-ID (or touch-ID)element may incorporate some features of other embodiments of thiseighth exemplary aspect such that a press-ID (or touch-ID) element mayrotate while translating, may rotate while pivoting, or the like. Forexample, FIG.14E shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplarydirectional input unit capable of receiving a user input and capable ofacquiring UI_(SEL) from a translating movement as well as a rotatingmovement of at least one movable portion of the input unit. It is to beunderstood, for illustration purposes, that a directional input unit ofFIG. 14E includes a press-ID element but a touch-ID element may replacethe press-ID element.

As in the figure, a press-ID element (23) is similar to that of FIG. 14Dand includes a rotating stem (23Q) on its bottom. Unlike that of FIG.14D, however, a directional element (24) defines an elongated guide(24G) on its bottom plate, while a press-ID element (23) defines arotating stem (23Q) and a slider (23S). In addition, a rotating stem(23Q) mechanically and movably couples to a slider (23S) in such a waythat the rotating stem (23Q) rotates with respect to the slider (23S)while maintaining the mechanical coupling with the latter (23S).Moreover, a slider (23S) is shaped and sized to slide along a guide(24G) substantially in a lateral direction. As a result, a rotating stem(23Q), a slider (23S), and the rest of a press-ID element (23) maytranslate as an assembly along the guide (24G) in response to a userinput.

In operation, a user provides a user input force to a press-ID element(23) at an angle. A lateral or horizontal component of a user inputforce then laterally translates the above assembly while guiding such anassembly along an elongated guide (24G). In addition, an angularcomponent or another off-center component of such a user input forcerotates a rotating stem (23Q) along an angular direction and, therefore,rotates a press-ID element (23) in a counter-clockwise (or clockwise)direction. As a result, a user may provide not only a lateral forcecomponent but also an angular force component to a press-ID (ortouch-ID) element, thereby causing a translating movement as well as arotating movement of at least one portion of a directional input unit.That is, a press-ID (or touch-ID) element may slide or translate to theleft or right along an elongated guide (24G), while concurrentlyrotating about a rotating stem (23Q) as shown in the figure. Such anarrangement offers a user with a benefit of manipulating a directionalinput unit (22) in more diverse directions and, accordingly, ofproviding a single user input (or multiple concurrent user inputs) moreconveniently and readily.

When a user translates and rotates a press-ID element (23), at the sametime, an electrical contact (23E) of a press-ID element (23) approachesan opposing electrical contact (24E) of a directional element (24)faster or quicker. As a user slides a press-ID element (23) beyond acertain distance or rotates such an element more than a preset angle, anelectrical contact (23E) of a press-ID element (23) forms an electricalconnection with that of a directional element (24). Upon identifyingsuch an electrical connection formed, e.g., in a north-west quadrant, adirectional input unit acquires UI_(SEL-NW).

A directional input unit then generates a control signal informing aterminal that UI_(SEL) acquired from a single user input corresponds toUI_(SEL-NW). Out of four different pre-selected operations which havebeen matched to four different UI_(SEL)'s, a terminal locates one ofsuch operations as the one matching UI_(SEL-NW), and then runs thepre-selected operation in one of such “timings” as described above. Whena user detaches a finger from a directional input unit, a user completesproviding a single user input to a directional input unit. In responsethereto, an elastic element (24F) recoils back to its rest state whilecarrying a terminal returns to its rest state as well. A directionalinput unit, along with its press-ID (or touch-ID) element anddirectional element, waits for another round of a single user input ormultiple concurrent user inputs.

Such an arrangement generally offers various benefits to a user such as,e.g., enabling him or her to provide a diverse (or more) user inputs or(user) sub-inputs, enabling a user to choose a certain pre-selectedoperation from a set of a greater number of pre-selected operations.FIG. 14F is a schematic view of a directional input unit capable ofreceiving a single user input which may cause not only a translatingmovement but also a rotating movement of at least a portion of such aninput unit. As exemplified in the left panel of FIG. 14F, because a usercan rotate a press-ID element (23) as well as translate the element(23), a user can move the element (23) more easily than either rotatingthe element (23) alone or translating the element (23) alone. Thereby, auser may more readily form an electrical connection between anelectrical contact of a press-ID element and that of a directionalelement. In the example of FIG. 14F, as a user provides a rotating orpivoting movement to at least one portion of a directional input unit, aterminal displays six pre-selected operations on its notice unit (or ononly a portion or an entire portion of a touch screen-type displayunit), a user translates the same (or different) portion of such aninput unit to provide a certain UI_(SEL) (e.g., UI_(SEL-SW) in thisexample), and then a terminal runs the pre-selected operation matchedwith UI_(SEL-SW) when or (immediately) after it powers on, wakes up, orswitches modes.

In addition and as described in the right panel of FIG. 14F, because adirectional input unit can translate and rotate, a notice unit maydefine an elongated periphery along which a notice unit may incorporatemore sub-screens (54C) such as, e.g., as many as 6 sub-screens (54C)along an elongated and rectangular periphery of a directional inputunit, than only 4 sub-screens defined around a circular periphery ofsuch an input unit as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14C. Accordingly, aterminal may enable a user to select a certain UI_(SEL) or a certainpre-selected operation from more multiple UI_(SEL)'s or a greater numberof pre-selected operations. For example, a terminal according to thearrangement of FIG. 14F may inform a user that he or she is selecting(or has selected) one of six pre-selected operations such as, e.g.,Operation a, Operation b, Operation c, Operation d, Operation e, andOperation f, by providing a certain UI_(SEL) which is assigned to (orwhich matches) one of such Operations. In contrary, a terminal of FIG.14C only displays 4 pre-selected operations such as, e.g., Operation A,Operation B, Operation C, Operation D, or the like. Due to such anelongated periphery, a user can also more precisely position a movableportion of a directional input unit (22) than otherwise as well.

Still referring to FIG. 14F, a user may provide UI_(SEL) and may rendera terminal run at least one pre-selected operation in various ways. Inone example, in response to a rotation of at least a portion of adirectional input unit, a notice unit displays 8 pre-selected operationson its 6 sub-screens, and a user slides or translates the portion ofsuch an input unit toward the pre-selected operation he or she wants torun until a certain pair of electrical contacts of a directional inputunit makes an electrical connection in response to such a translatingmovement. Thereafter, the input unit generates a control signalsignifying such an electrical connection, and a terminal runs that acertain pre-selected operation when or (immediately) after the terminalpowers on, wakes up, or switches modes.

It is appreciated in this example that a user may have to first rotate acertain portion of a directional input unit, to look what is displayedby a notice unit, and then to translate the same (or different) portionof a directional input unit in a certain direction. Accordingly, therewill usually be a temporal gap of 1 second or less (or more) between a1^(st) instance of providing a rotating movement to such an input unitand a 2^(nd) instance of providing a translating movement thereto.However, as long as the user continues to press, push, contact or touchthe portion of a directional input unit, such 1^(st) and 2^(nd)movements can be deemed as a “single user input” which results from a“single user effort” within the scope of this disclosure.

Even when a user detaches his or her body part from a portion of adirectional input unit after providing a 1^(st) rotating (or pivoting)movement (for displaying a certain group of pre-selected operations) andbefore a user presses, pushes, contacts or touches the same (ordifferent) portion of such an input unit in order to provide a 2^(nd)translating movement (for providing UI_(SEL)), such separate, multipleactions can be deemed as a “single user input” within the scope of thisdisclosure, when such separate actions qualify as “quick efforts” whichare temporally separated less than or equal to 2.0 sec., less than orequal to 1.5 sec, or less than or equal to 1.0 sec., or the like. When auser provides such multiple movements sequentially, however, with aninterval exceeding two seconds or more, such separate user inputs maynot then be deemed as a single user input but may be deemed as multipleuser inputs. Of course, such sequential user inputs may prevent a userfrom fully enjoying seamless operations provided by such a terminal.

It is also appreciated that a terminal may display the names, icons orimages of such pre-selected operations on a screen of its touchscreen-type display unit. In this case, a terminal may display suchnames, images or icons of such pre-selected operations on an entire (ora selected) portion of the display unit, depending upon where the screendisplays a portion which a user can move, contact or otherwisemanipulate. A terminal may instead display such names, icons or imagesof the pre-selected operations in a 1^(st) preset portion of its touchscreen-type display unit, while displaying such such user manipulatingportion in a 2^(nd) portion thereof.

11-5. Selecting (User) Sub-Inputs from a Single User Input Caused ByMultiple Movements

In another exemplary embodiment of the eighth exemplary aspect, adirectional input unit may also receive a single user input (or multipleconcurrent user inputs) and also acquire multiple (user) sub-inputs frommultiple different (or similar) movements of [1] at least one movableportion of a directional input unit, [2] at least one user body part,[3] at least one non-user object, or [4] a combination of the above [1]to [3]. In other words, a directional input unit may receive a userinput(s) or acquire multiple (user) sub-inputs from, e.g., [1] multipletranslating movements, [2] multiple pivoting movements, [3] multiplerotating movements, [4] a combination of the above [1] to [3], [5] atranslating movement and a pivoting movement, [6] a translating movementand a rotating movement, [7] a pivoting movement and a rotatingmovement, [8] another combinations of the above [1] to [7], or the like.

A terminal may be configured to regard pressing of at least a portion ofa directional input unit by a user (or a non -user object) as a separatemovement, where such pressing may include, e.g., pushing such a portionor otherwise applying a user input force to such a portion of such aninput unit. Similarly, a terminal may regard contacting of at least aportion of a directional input unit by a user (or a non-user object) asanother separate movement, where such contacting may include, e.g.,touching such a portion with or without applying a force thereto. Inthese arrangements, a user may combine such pressing or contacting withat least one of various movements enumerated in the preceding paragraph.It is appreciated, however, that each of such translating, pivoting orrotating presupposes a contact between such a portion of such an inputunit and a user (or a non-user object), and that a force associated withan input force applied by a user (or a non-user object) typicallyexceeds a certain magnitude to effect such translating, pivoting orrotating. In this context, such pressing or touching is already includedin each of such translating, pivoting or rotating. Notwithstanding suchinherent nature, such pressing which is directly applied by a user (orindirectly applied by a user through a non-user object) may also beregarded by a terminal as a separate movement when such pressing isaccompanied by or results from an input force of which a magnitude isgreater than a certain threshold magnitude. Similarly, a terminal mayregard such contacting which continues longer than a threshold period oftime as a separate movement.

11-6. Acquiring Selecting (User) Sub-Inputs from Group By Group Displays

In another exemplary embodiment of the eighth exemplary aspect, aterminal may also synchronize a group of multiple UI_(SEL)'s with acertain movement(s) of a user (or a non-user object) with respect to aterminal, and directly display such multiple UI_(SEL)'s or indirectlydisplay a list of such multiple UI_(SEL)'s which belong to such a group.In the alternative or in addition to the above, such a terminal maydirectly display multiple pre-selected operations each of which maymatch each of such multiple UI_(SEL)'s or may indirectly display a listof multiple UI_(SEL)'s which may match such operations which belong tosuch a group. This embodiment is particularly useful when a matchinglist (i.e., a list matching each of multiple UI_(SEL)'s with each ofmultiple pre-selected operations in a 1-to-1 matching or othermatchings) includes a far greater number of UI_(SEL)'s or pre-selectedoperations than a user can easily select or locate by relying on his orher memory, when such a matching list includes a far more UI_(SEL)'s orpre-selected operations than a terminal may display on a single screen.

In one example, when the matching list includes 18 pre-selectedoperations and corresponding 18 UI_(SEL)'s, it is not practical for auser to remember an exact matching between 18 UI_(SEL)'s and 18pre-selected operations. Similarly, it is not practical at all todisplay such a long matching list to a user using a notice unit or evena full display unit. It is therefore beneficial to a user to display asubset of the matching list, i.e., a sub-set (or group) of multipleUI_(SEL)'s or multiple pre-selected operations of which the number isless than 18 such as, e.g., only 6 UI_(SEL)'s or pre-selectedoperations. That is, a terminal may divide 18 UI_(SEL)'s (or 18pre-selected operations) into three different groups, where each groupincludes therein only 6 UI_(SEL)'s or 6 pre-selected operations. As aresult, a 1^(st) group includes Operations a, b, c, d, e, and f, a2^(nd) group includes Operations 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, a 3^(rd) groupincludes Operations A, B, C, D, E, and F, or the like.

In the above exemplary arrangement, a user may rotate at least one1^(st) movable portion of a directional input unit in a clockwisedirection in order to select a certain group of pre-selected operationsfrom such 3 different groups while displaying on its sub-screen onlythose 6 UI_(SEL)'s (or 6 Operations) which belong to one of such groups.A user then translates (or slides) the same 1^(st) movable portion of adirectional input unit or a different 2^(nd) movable portion of adirectional input unit so as to select at least one operation from thesix pre-selected operations of the selected group. It is appreciatedthat a user may manipulate at least two different movable (orstationary) portions of a single directional input unit so as to providemultiple movements, that a user may manipulate a single movable (orstationary) portion of such an input unit in order to provide multipledifferent movements thereto, or that a user may manipulate a singleportion of a 1^(st) directional input unit and a single portion of a2^(nd) directional (or non-directional) input unit to provide similar ordifferent multiple movements to such input units.

FIG. 14G shows schematic diagrams of a directional input unit accordingto the above embodiment, where the input unit includes a single movableportion, e.g., a single movable touch-ID element (23), which can receivea user input provided by a user through a translating movement as wellas a rotating movement. As depicted above, a terminal defines a total of18 pre-selected operations which such a terminal may run once poweringon, waking up, or switching modes in response to a single user input,and classifies 18 pre-selected operations (or 18 UI_(SEL)'s) into threesets of operations (or 18 UI_(SEL)'s) each of which includes 6operations (or 6 UI_(SEL)'s).

Referring to the center panel of FIG. 14G, a user may provide a singleuser input to a press-ID (or touch-ID) element (23) of a directionalinput unit, e.g., (1) by providing a clockwise rotating (or pivoting)movement of at least a portion of a directional element (23) to theright as well as (2) by pressing (or contacting) the same (or different)portion of the input unit (or pressing a portion of a differentdirectional input unit or a non-directional input unit), eitherconcurrently or sequentially. In response to the rotating (or pivoting)movement, a terminal displays a 1^(st) set of six pre-selectedoperations on its six sub-screens (54C) of a notice unit, where such a1^(st) set includes six different operations such as, e.g., Operation a,b, c, d, e, and f, and where each sub-screen (54C) displays a name, anicon or an image which represents each of such pre-selected operationsthereon. A terminal also acquires UI_(SEL) from the pressing movement ofthe same (or different) portion of such an input unit, locates which oneof the Operations a, b, c, d, e, and f to run when or (immediately)after a terminal powers on, wakes up, or switches modes, and runs theselected operation thereafter. It is noted that such a pressing movementmay desirable include a static or dynamic feature indicating a directionof such a pressing movement such that a terminal may readily acquireUI_(SEL) therefrom. Alternatively, such a pressing movement may bereplaced by translating movements which almost always accompany a staticor dynamic feature indicating a direction of such a movement.

As described above, there may be a temporal gap between a 1^(st)instance of providing a rotating (or pivoting) movement and a 2^(nd)instance of providing a pressing (or translating) movement. However, aslong as a user continues to press, push, touch or otherwise contact atleast a portion of a directional input unit with a body part, suchmovements can be deemed as a “single user input” resulting from a“single user effort” within the scope of this disclosure. Even when auser supplies a 1^(st) movement (e.g., rotating, pivoting, or the like)and a 2^(nd) movement (e.g., pressing, translating, or the like)sequentially (i.e., one after another, e.g., detaching all of his or herbody parts from a directional input unit after the 1^(st) movement andbefore the 2^(nd) movement), such multiple actions can also be deemed asa “single user input” when such multiple, “quick actions” may betemporally separated less than or equal to 2.0 sec., less than or equalto 1.5 sec, or less than or equal to 1.0 sec., or the like. It is notedthat a terminal may also display names, icons or images of thepre-selected operations on a touch screen-type display unit, e.g., bydisplaying such names, icons or images on an entire (or a selected)portion of such a display unit.

Referring to the left panel of FIG. 14G, a user provides a user input toa touch-ID element (23) of a directional input unit (1) by causing arotating movement of at least a portion of the input unit in a clockwisedirection as well as (2) by causing a translating movement of the same(or different) portion of the input unit. In response to the rotatingmovement, a terminal displays a 2^(nd) set of six pre-selectedoperations on its six sub-screens (54C), where the 2^(nd) set includesOperations 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, and where each sub-screen (54C)displays at least one of such pre-selected operations thereon. Inaddition, a directional input unit acquires UI_(SEL) from thetranslating movement, identifies which one of Operations 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,and 6 to run, and then runs the pre-selected operation when or(immediately) after the terminal powers on, wakes up, or switches modes.Further operational details of this example are similar or identical tothose of the center panel of FIG. 14G.

Referring to the right panel of FIG. 14G, a user similarly applies asingle user input to a touch-ID element (23) of a directional input unit(1) by generating a counter-clockwise rotating movement of at least aportion of the input unit as well as (2) by creating an upwardtranslating movement. In response to the rotating movement, a terminaldisplays a 3^(rd) set of six pre-selected operations on its sixsub-screens (54C), where such a 3^(rd) set includes Operations A, B, C,D, E, and F, and where each sub-screen (54C) displays at least one ofsuch six pre-selected operations thereon. Either concurrently orsequentially with acquiring the rotating movement, a directional inputunit acquires UI_(SEL) from the translating movement, locates which oneof Operations A, B, C, D, E, and F to run, and then runs thepre-selected operation when or (immediately) after the terminal powerson, wakes up, or switches modes. Further operational details of thisexample are similar or identical to those of the center panel of FIG.14G.

As described above, various arrangements in FIG. 14G allow a terminal toadopt a greater number of UI_(SEL)'s (or pre-selected operations) thanit may display on its sub-screens (or its display unit) at one time.Therefore, a user may select any number of pre-selected operations anddivide them into a desirable number of groups each of which may includea certain number of UI_(SEL)'s (or pre-selected operations) as long as aterminal may identify the same certain number (or less number) ofUI_(SEL)'s (e.g., differentiate one UI_(SEL) from other UI_(SEL)'s), aslong as a user may readily select at least one of such pre-selectedoperations displayed on a notice unit (or a display unit) of a terminal,or the like.

In addition and as also depicted in the left and right panels of FIG.14G, a terminal may allow a user to view all pre-selected operations orto view all UI_(SEL)'s which are matched to such multiple pre-selectedoperations), e.g., [1] by displaying names, icons, or images of suchpre-selected operations of multiple groups one group at a time or [2] bydisplaying similar names, icons or images of such UI_(SEL)'s of multiplegroups one group at a time, simply by generating different movements ofat least a portion of a directional input unit. For example, when a userrotates at least one movable portion of a directional input unit, e.g.,by 120° counterclockwise, a terminal may display the names, icons orimages representing multiple pre-selected operations of a 1^(st) group(e.g., Operations A, B, C, D, E, and F) or may instead display similarnames, icons or images representing multiple UI_(SEL)'s of the 1^(st)group (e.g., UI_(SEL-A), UI_(SEL-B), UI_(SEL-C), UI_(SEL-D), UI_(SEL-E),or UI_(SEL-F)) each corresponding to each of such multiple pre-selectedoperations belonging to the same group on the sub-screens (54C) (or onits touch screen-type display unit). As a user rotates the same (ordifferent) portion of a directional input unit by another 120° in thesame (or different) direction, a terminal may display the names, iconsor images of multiple pre-selected operations of a 2^(nd) group (e.g.,Operations a, b, c, d, e, and f) or may instead display the names,images or icons of multiple UI_(SEL)'s (e.g., UI_(SEL-a), UI_(SEL-b),UI_(SEL-c), UI_(SEL-d), UI_(SEL-e), or UI_(SEL-f)) each of whichrepresents such multiple pre-selected Operations of the 2^(nd) group onthe sub-screens (54C) (or on its touch screen-type display unit). When auser rotates the same (or different) portion of a directional input unitby another 120° in the same direction (or when a user translates,presses, pivots or otherwise manipulate the same or different portiondifferently from the above rotations), a terminal may display suchnames, images or icons of multiple pre-selected operations which belongto a 3^(rd) group (e.g., Operations 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6) or may insteaddisplay names, icons or images of multiple UI_(SEL)'s (e.g., UI_(SEL-1),UI_(SEL-2), UI_(SEL-3), UI_(SEL-4), UI_(SEL-5) or UI_(SEL-6)) each ofwhich corresponds to multiple pre-selected operations of the sane groupon the sub-screens (54C) (or on its display unit). Accordingly, simplyby moving a certain portion (or multiple portions) of such an inputunit, without having to detach his or her body part (or a non-userobject) from such an input unit, a user can view an entire matchingbetween multiple pre-selected operations and multiple UI_(SEL)'s, groupby group or one group at a time.

Similarly to such examples of the preceding paragraph, a terminal mayallow a user to preview all UI_(SEL)'s (or pre-selected operations) bydisplaying multiple groups of such UI_(SEL)'s (or pre-selectedoperations) one after another, when a user touches or contacts differentstationary (or movable) portions of a directional input unit one afteranother. For example, when a user contacts a body part (or a non-userobject) with a 1^(st) portion of a directional input unit, a terminalmay display a 1^(st) group of pre-selected operations (e.g., OperationsA to F) or may instead display names, icons or images of a 1^(st) groupof UI_(SEL)'s (e.g., UI_(SEL-A) to UI_(SEL-F)) on its multiplesub-screens (54C) (or a touch screen-type display unit). As a usertouches a 2^(nd) portion of a directional input unit, a terminal maydisplay a 2^(nd) group of pre-selected operations (e.g., Operations a tof) or may display the names, icons or images of a 2^(nd) group ofUI_(SEL)'s (e.g., UI_(SEL-a) to UI_(SEL-f)) on the sub-screens (54C) (ora touch screen-type display unit). In addition, as a user moves his orher body part (or a non-user object) to another portion of such an inputunit, a terminal may display a 3^(rd) group of pre-selected operations(e.g., Operations 1 through 6) or may display names, icons or images ofa 3^(rd) group of UI_(SEL)'s (e.g., UI_(SEL-1) to UI_(SEL-6)) on thesub-screens (54C) (or a touch screen-type display unit). Accordingly, auser may view an entire list of such matching between multipleUI_(SEL)'s and multiple pre-selected operations, one group at a time.

Such exemplary arrangements may enable a simpler configuration of adirectional input unit and may relieve a user from a headache, for he orshe does not have to memorize all different UI_(SEL)'s. It isappreciated once more that such multiple, separate manipulations of asingle portion (or multiple portions) of a directional input unit maystill be deemed as a “single user input” within the scope of thisdisclosure, particularly when a user does not detach his or her bodypart (or a non-user object) from such an input unit while rotating theportion by 120°, another 120°, and then further 120°, while rotating theportion in a counterclockwise direction and in a clockwise directionthereafter, or while otherwise moving or contacting the portion of suchan input unit for viewing different groups of multiple UI_(SEL)'s (ormultiple pre-selected operations of different groups). When a userprovides a user input by pressing, touching, contacting or otherwisemanipulating at least a portion of a directional input unit with anon-user object, such a user input may similarly be deemed a single userinput when a user does not detach the object from the input unit whileviewing different groups of multiple UI_(SEL)'s (or multiplepre-selected operations).

When a user provides a user input but decides to not provide anyspecific UI_(SEL), a user may do so in various ways. In other words, auser may provide a user input which includes other (user) sub-inputsexcept UI_(SEL) so that a user provides, e.g., a rotating (or pivoting)movement or a pressing movement to at least one portion of a directionalinput unit, but does not provide a directional input unit with anymovement which is matched to running a selecting operation. As a resultand in one example, a terminal turns on a display unit, runs anauthentication operation, or the like, but does not run any selectingoperation. Rather, such a terminal may advance to a lock mode whiledisplaying a lock screen on a display unit when a user fails theauthenticating, may advance to an unlock mode while displaying a homescreen on its display unit when a user passes the authenticating, or thelike. In another example, such a terminal may instead turn on a displayunit, run an authentication operation, and also run a 1^(st) defaultselecting operation when a user fails such authenticating, run a 2^(nd)default selecting operation when the user passes the authenticating, orthe like.

Although not depicted in FIGS. 14F and 14G, a terminal may be configuredto display multiple groups of pre-selected operations more easily one ata time or concurrently with each other. In one example, when a userrotates (or pivots) at least one portion of a directional input unit ina certain direction with his or her body part (or a non-user object), aterminal may display names, icons or images of multiple pre-selectedoperations of multiple groups one at a time (i.e., one group at a time)or may display such names, icons or images of such operations of twogroups or more. In another example, when a user translates (or slides)at least one portion of a directional input unit (or translates his orher body part or a non-user object with respect to such an input unit)in a certain direction, a terminal may display names, icons or images ofmultiple pre-selected operations of multiple groups one at a time or mayinstead display the names, icons or images of such operations of twogroups or more. In another example, as a user presses, pushes, touches,contacts or otherwise manipulates at least one portion of a directionalinput unit with a body part (or a non-user object), a terminal maydisplay such names, icons or images of multiple pre-selected operationsof multiple groups one at a time based on, e.g., [1] a temporal lengthof such a press, push, touch or contact, [2] a magnitude of a forceassociated with such a press, push, touch or contact, [3] a contact areabetween a user body part (or a non-user object) and a directional inputunit for providing such a press, push, touch or contact, [4] adisposition (or an angle) of a directional input unit (or a terminal)with respect to a reference which may be measured by a gyroscope or aprior art sensor equivalent thereto, [5] an absolute (or relative)velocity (or acceleration) of a body part of a user or those of anon-user object with respect to a reference (such as, e.g., a terminal),[6] an absolute (or relative) velocity (or acceleration) of a terminalwith respect to a reference, or [7] a distance between a body part of auser (or a non-user object) to a terminal.

It is appreciated that a total number of such names, icons or images ofall pre-selected operations (e.g., all of those listed in the matchinglist) does not always have to match a total number of UI_(SEL)'s. Forexample, when a terminal defines a total of 18 pre-selected operationsas exemplified in FIG. 14G, such a terminal does not have to define all18 different UI_(SEL)'s, for a single UI_(SEL) may match two or moreoperations (e.g., Operations b and c) of the same group, may insteadmatch multiple operations (e.g., Operations b, 2, and B) of differentgroups, or the like.

It is to be understood that the exemplary arrangement in FIG. 14G can bereversed as well. In other words, a terminal may locate which one ofmultiple pre-selected operations to run from a rotating movement of atleast one movable portion of a directional input unit, while a terminallocates which one of multiple different sets of multiple pre-selectedoperations to display on the sub-screens from a translating movementthereof. It is also appreciated that the exemplary arrangement in FIG.14G may be applied to a different combination of other movements.Accordingly, a terminal may perform the above functions by receiving auser input which may be caused by both of the translating and pivotingmovements, by both of the pivoting and rotating movements, or bycombining one of such translating, pivoting, and rotating movement withanother movement as will be described below.

It is also understood that such examples of this exemplary embodimentnot only apply to a single user input caused by multiple differentmovements of a single movable portion of various directional input unitsbut also to multiple concurrent user inputs applied [1] to a singlemovable portion of a single directional input unit, [2] to multiplemovable portions of a single directional input unit, [3] to multipledifferent input units one of which is a directional input unit, or thelike. Accordingly, one of such multiple concurrent user inputs may beused to locate which set of multiple sets of pre-selected operations isto be displayed on multiple sub-screens and another of such concurrentuser inputs may be used to locate which one operations belonging to sucha set is to be run when or (immediately) after a terminal powers on,wakes up, or switches modes.

11-7. Acquiring Selecting (User) Sub-Inputs from Other Movements

In another exemplary embodiment of this eighth exemplary aspect, adirectional input unit may acquire UI_(SEL) from various deformingmovements caused by a user. Examples of such deforming movements mayinclude a shape-changing movement of at least one deformable portion ofsuch a directional input unit in response to a user input (or caused bya user input), a size-changing movement of the deformable portion inresponse to the user input (or caused thereby), a volume-changingmovement of such a deformable portion in response to the user input (orcaused thereby), or the like. When a user stops to apply the user input,the deformable portion may recover its shape, size or volume whilereturning to its rest state when such a portion may store at least aportion of a user input force by generating a recoil force and thenreleases the stored portion of the input force, thereby preparinganother round of deformation in response to (or caused by) another roundof deformation-causing user input.

A directional input unit may employ various deforming configurations forreceiving a deforming user input and for acquiring UI_(SEL) therefrom.In one example, a press-ID element may include a deformable portionwhich is made of (or includes) an elastic material which can deform inresponse to a user input. Accordingly, when a user provides a user inputby pressing or pushing, the deformable portion deforms in responsethereto, and displaces an electrical contact toward an opposingelectrical contact of a directional element, thereby forming anelectrical connection. A directional input unit acquires UI_(SEL)therefrom and generates a control signal which is delivered to aterminal. Once a user ceases to apply the user input, the deformableportion returns to its rest state due to its recoil force. In anotherexample, a press-ID element does not include any deformable portionthereon but is mechanically coupled to a deformable base disposed in adirectional element. Accordingly, the deformable base deforms inresponse to a user input while rendering the electrical contacts of thepress-ID and directional elements to form an electrical connection.Other configurational or operational features of this directional inputunit capable of receiving a deforming user input are similar oridentical to those of the above directional input units for receiving atransforming user input, a pivoting user input a rotating user input orthe like.

In another example, a directional input unit may store the deformationenergy and then release such energy in order to return to its rest stateeven when the directional input unit may not be made of or may notinclude any deformable portion therein. For example, a directional inputunit may include a shape-changing element, a size-changing element or avolume-changing element each of which is made of or includes rigidmaterials but each of which includes a structure allowing such anelement to change its shape, a size, a volume, or the like. Apiston-cylinder assembly may be an example of such an element, where theassembly changes its overall shape, a size, or a volume as the pistonmoves into or away from a cylinder.

11-8. Acquiring Selecting (User) Sub-Inputs from Various Features ofMovements

In most of the aforementioned exemplary aspects and embodiments of thisdisclosure, each directional input unit may receive a single user input(or multiple concurrent user inputs), acquire at least one selecting(user) sub-input (UI_(SEL)), and locate a certain pre-selected operationcorresponding to such UI_(SEL) from the matching list which matches eachof multiple UI_(SEL)'s with at least one of multiple pre-selectedoperations (e.g., in 1-to-1, 1-to-n, m-to-1, or m-to-n matching, where mand n are integers). To this end, such directional input units acquireUI_(SEL) from locations of electrical connections which are formed bytwo or more electrical contacts of a touch-ID (or press-ID) element anda directional element, where such connections are in turn are caused byone or various user inputs.

Therefore and in another exemplary embodiment of the eighth exemplaryaspect, a directional input unit may directly (or indirectly) acquire atleast one UI_(SEL) from various temporal or spatial features of suchmovements, where examples of such movements may include, but not limitedto, movements of [1] at least one movable portion of a directional inputunit, [2] at least one user body part on, over or across at least aportion of such an input unit, [3] at least one non-user object on, overor across at least a portion of such an input unit, or [4] at least oneuser body part (or a non-user object) disposed at a certain distancefrom a directional input unit. Based on various temporal or spatialfeatures of such movements, a directional input unit acquires UI_(SEL)and generates a control signal based thereon. A terminal then receivesthe control signal and runs a pre-selected operation which is selectedfrom a set of multiple pre-selected operations based on UI_(SEL). It isappreciated that a directional input unit may acquire UI_(SEL) from asingle user input or from multiple concurrent user inputs.

Various temporal features of such movements may include, e.g., avelocity of at least one movable portion of a directional input unit, avelocity of at least one user body part contacting at least onestationary (or movable) portion of such an input unit, an accelerationof such a movable portion or such a user body part, an instance ofstarting a movement of such a portion (or user body part), an instanceof finishing the movement of such a portion (or user body part), aduration of such a movement, or the like. It is appreciated that thevelocity or acceleration may be a scalar or a vector and that thevelocity or acceleration may include a curvilinear value such as, e.g.,a linear or angular velocity, a linear or angular acceleration, or thelike. Therefore, a terminal may acquire different UI_(SEL)'s from a1^(st) force forwardly pushing a movable portion of a directional inputunit, from a 2^(nd) force backwardly pulling such a portion, from a3^(rd) force of rotating such a portion, from a 4^(th) force verticallypressing such a portion, or the like. A directional input unit may alsoacquire UI_(SEL) from only one component of one of such forces, from twocomponents of at least one of such force, or the like, where the forcemay include components which are [1] defined in a Cartesian coordinatesuch as f_(x), f_(y), and f_(z), [2] which are defined in a cylindricalcoordinate such as f_(r), f_(□), and f_(z), or [3] which are defined ina spherical coordinate such as f_(r), f_(□), and f_(□).

For example, when a user presses a movable portion of a directionalinput unit to the right, such an input unit acquires UI_(SEL-1) from themovement, a terminal selects a pre-selected operations from a matchinglist based thereon, and then runs a single pre-selected operation suchas, e.g., turning on its display unit, running a 1^(st) authenticationoperation, advancing to a lock mode, advancing to an unlock mode, or thelike. Thereafter, a user may apply another user input to run anotheroperation with the terminal.

In another example, as a user presses a movable portion of a directionalinput unit to the right, such an input unit acquires UI_(SEL-1) fromsuch a movement, a terminal selects two pre-selected operations from amatching list based thereon, and then the terminal runs two pre-selectedoperations either concurrently or sequentially. Accordingly, in responseto a single user input, a terminal may run at least two pre-selectedoperations such that, e.g., a terminal may turn on a display unit andrun a 1^(st) authentication operation (either concurrently orsequentially), a terminal may run a 1^(st) authentication operation andturn on a display unit (either concurrently or sequentially), a terminalmay run a 1^(st) pre-selected operation and running a 1^(st)authentication operation (either concurrently or sequentially), or aterminal may run a 1^(st) authentication operation and run a 2^(nd)pre-selected operation. When one of such two pre-selected operations isan authentication operation, a terminal may advance to an unlock modewhen a user passes the authenticating or instead advance to a lock modewhen a user fails the authenticating.

In another example, when a user moves a finger from left to right acrossa stationary portion of a directional input unit while keeping thefinger contacting such a portion, a directional input unit may acquireUI_(SEL-2) from such a translating movement, and a terminal may select asingle pre-selected operation from a matching list or may instead selectat least two pre-selected operations from the matching list basedthereon, e.g., running a 1^(st) authentication operation and a 2^(nd)authentication operation (concurrently or sequentially). Thereafter, aterminal may advance to a lock mode when a user fails at least one ofsuch authenticating, may advance to an unlock mode when a user passesboth of such authentication operations, may advance to a semi-unlockmode when a user passes only one of two authentication operations, orthe like.

Various temporal features of such a movement may be combined withanother feature such as a mass of at least one movable part of adirectional input unit (or a user body part) such that a directionalinput unit may acquire UI_(SEL) from, e.g., a force exerted to a movableor stationary portion of the input unit, a momentum of such a portion(or a user body part), or a mechanical energy applied to the input unit.It is appreciated that the force or the momentum may be a scalar or avector and that the force or the momentum may include a curvilinearvalue such as a linear or angular force, a linear or angular momentum,or the like.

Various spatial features of such a movement may include, e.g., astarting position (before the movement) of a certain portion of adirectional input unit, an ending position (after the movement) of theportion of such an input unit, a distance from the ending position tothe starting position, a curvilinear movement path of such a portion, alength of such a curvilinear path, a direction of the movement, adistance from a certain reference point of a directional input unit tosuch a portion, an angle from the certain point in the cylindrical orspherical coordinate, or the like. In this context, such velocities,accelerations, forces or momentums as described above may be measuredfrom the starting position to the ending position along a curvilinearpath, or may be measured along a movement path which connects thestarting position to the end position along a straight path.

For example, when a user swivels a movable portion of a directionalinput unit farther than one half of a full circular path, a directionalinput unit acquires UI_(SEL-3) from such a movement, and a terminalselects a single operation from a matching list based thereupon, e.g., acamera operation. In another example, when a user moves the movableportion along a zigzag path, a directional input unit may acquireUI_(SEL-4) from such a movement, and a terminal may select and run twooperations from a matching list based thereupon, e.g., running a 1^(st)authentication operation and turning on a display unit concurrently witheach other. Based on the results of the authenticating, a terminal maythen advance to a lock mode or unlock mode.

Therefore and in another exemplary embodiment of the eighth exemplaryaspect, a directional input unit may directly (or indirectly) acquire atleast one UI_(SEL) from a sequence of the same, similar or differentmovements of, e.g., [1] at least one movable portion of a directionalinput unit, [2] at least one user body part on, over or across such ainput unit, [3] at least one non-user object on, over or across theinput unit, or [4] at least one user body part (or non-user object)which are disposed at a certain distance from the input unit. Based uponsuch sequences, a directional input unit acquires at least one UI_(SEL)and generates at least one control signal based thereon. A terminalreceives the control signal(s) and runs at least one pre-selectedoperation which is (or are) selected from multiple pre-selectedoperations based upon UI_(SEL). It is appreciated that a directionalinput unit may acquire at least one UI_(SEL) from a single user input ormultiple concurrent user inputs. It is also appreciated that, even whentwo sequences may include identical multiple movements, such sequencesare deemed to be different from each other when an order of suchmovements changes.

A sequence of movements presumes a user providing a single user input ormultiple concurrent user inputs, where a single user input or at leastone of multiple user inputs involves multiple concurrent (or sequential)movements of [1] a single movable portion of a single directional inputunit, [2] multiple movable portions of a single directional input unit,or [3] multiple movable portions of multiple input units, where one ofsuch input units is a directional input unit. In the alternative, asequence of movements may involve multiple concurrent (or sequential)movements of [1] a single user body part moving over or across a singledirectional input unit while maintaining a contact with such an inputunit, [2] at least two user body parts moving over or across a singledirectional input unit while maintaining a contact between at least oneof such body parts and the input unit, [3] multiple user body partsmoving on, over or across multiple input units, where at least one ofsuch input units is a directional input unit and where a user maintainsa contact between the directional input unit and at least one of his orher body parts, or the like. Alternatively, the sequence of movementsmay include multiple concurrent (or sequential) movements of [1] asingle non-user object moving over or across a single directional inputunit while maintaining a contact with such an input unit, [2] multiplenon-user objects moving over or across a single directional input unitwhile maintaining a contact therewith, or [3] multiple non-user objectsmoving over multiple input units, where one of such input units is adirectional input unit. In addition, a sequence of movements may be acombination of at least two of any of the above.

For example, a user may provide at least two movements concurrently suchas, e.g., vertically pressing while translating a movable portion of adirectional input unit, vertically pressing while angularly rotating amovable portion thereof, contacting without pressing while circling hisor her finger around and over such an input unit, or the like. Inanother example, a user may provide multiple movements rathersequentially, with including a temporal gap therebetween, but withoutproviding any temporal overlap therebetween, or the like. In anotherexample, a user may provide multiple same or similar movementsconcurrently such as, e.g., [1] pressing a 1^(st) stationary (ormovable) portion of a directional input unit with a 1^(st) finger whileconcurrently pressing a 2^(nd) movable (or stationary) portion of thesame directional input unit with a 2^(nd) finger, [2] pressing a movable(or stationary) portion of a 1^(st) directional input unit with a 1^(st)finger while concurrently pressing a stationary (or movable) portion ofa 2^(nd) directional (or non-directional) input unit with a 2^(nd)finger, or the like.

When multiple sequences include the same number of multiple movements ofthe identical types in the same order, such multiple sequences may bedeemed to be identical to each other. However, such sequences are deemedto be different from each other, e.g., [1] when a duration of at leastone movement of a 1^(st) sequence is different from a duration of atleast one corresponding movement of a 2^(nd) sequence, [2] when aduration of a gap defined between two movements of a 1^(st) sequence isdifferent from a duration of a corresponding gap between two movementsof a 2^(nd) sequence, [3] when a duration of an overlap between twomovements of a 1^(st) sequence may be different from another duration ofa corresponding overlap between two movements of a 2^(nd) sequence, [4]when a ratio of a duration of at least one movement (or a duration of agap or an overlap) of a 1^(st) sequence to a reference may be differentfrom another ratio of a duration of at least one movement (of a durationof a gap or an overlap) of a 2^(nd) sequence to such a reference, [5]when a 1^(st) ratio of a duration of a 1^(st) sequence to a preset(1^(st)) reference may be different from a 2^(nd) ratio of a duration ofa 2^(nd) sequence to a preset (2^(nd)) reference, [6] when othertemporal sequence or other characteristics of a 1^(st) sequence may bedifferent from corresponding temporal sequence or characteristics of a2^(nd) sequence, or the like.

As described above, a user input is deemed to be synonymous with asingle user input which refers to a user input which is supplied by auser to a directional input unit (or another input unit) of a terminalwithout having to detach his or her body part from a directional inputunit. In this context, a single user input includes, e.g., a step inwhich a user starts to provide a user input through a movement of his orher body part or a non-user object, another step in which, once startingto provide the user input, the user continues (or does not stop) themovement, or the like. When such a user input does not relate to adirect manipulation of a movable or stationary portion of a directionalinput unit or does not relate to that of a user body part or a non-userobject, but rather relates to indirect manipulation as described above,a single user input may similarly include, e.g., a step of startingsending electromagnetic (or acoustic) waves to a terminal or startingshowing images to the terminal, another step of continuing (or notstopping) such sending or showings, or the like. When desirable, theuser input may not include another step of not making an additionalsending or additional showing other than original sending or showing, orthe like.

When a directional input unit acquires UI_(SEL) and send a controlsignal to a terminal, a terminal may select at least one operation froma set of multiple pre-selected operations based on the matching list andrun such an operation. When a terminal may acquire UI_(SEL) based uponat least two movements of a movable portion of a directional input unit(or at least two movements of a user body part or those of a non-userobject), however, a terminal may select multiple pre-selected operationsfrom a matching list based on a single UI_(SEL) and then run suchmultiple pre-selected operations either concurrently or sequentially. Incontrary, a directional input unit may acquire multiple UI_(SEL)'s froma single user input which may involve multiple movements therein, andmay also generate multiple control signals either concurrently orsequentially. Upon receiving such control signals, a terminal selectsmultiple pre-selected operations based on a matching list, and runsmultiple pre-selected operations either concurrently or sequentially. Asdiscussed above, a user input involving multiple movements may still bedeemed as a single user input within the scope of this disclosure aslong as such a user input satisfies various requirements as describedhereinabove, regardless of whether a directional input unit may acquirea single UI_(SEL) or multiple UI_(SEL)'s therefrom.

In contrary to such examples of the preceding paragraph, a directionalinput unit may acquire a single UI_(SEL) or multiple UI_(SEL)'s whichinvolve multiple movements therein, but a terminal does not have to runtwo or more operations. Rather, a terminal selects a single operation torun based on at least one of multiple movements, while a terminal mayselect what kind of (or how much) access authority to grant to a userbased on another of such movements.

In one example, a user may touch or contact a certain portion of a topsurface of a directional input unit while translating his or her fingerwith respect to such an input unit. Based on a position of the portiontouched by a user, a terminal selects which one of multiple pre-selectedoperations to run, e.g., selecting to run an e-mail operation. Inaddition, based on a type or a nature of the translating movement (e.g.,a straight one, a curved one, a direction of such a movement, or thelike), a terminal selects what kind of access authority to grant a userand then allows a user, e.g., [1] to access all previous and currentemails, [2] to access emails which are related only to work, [3] toaccess only new emails, or the like. In other words, according to theaccess authority granted to a user, a terminal may allow a user toaccess different portions of data stored inside or outside a terminal.

In another example, a user may press a press-ID element of a directionalinput unit while also pivoting such an element in a north-eastdirection. Based upon an intensity of a force provided by a user to theelement, a terminal selects which one of multiple pre-selectedoperations to run, e.g., selecting to run a word-processing operation.In addition, based upon a direction of the pivoting, a terminal selectswhat kind of access authority to grant a user and then allows a user [1]to only create a new document by granting a user with a 1^(st) accessauthority, [2] to review and edit an existing document by granting auser with a 2^(nd) access authority, or the like, i.e., by allowing auser to access different portions of data stored inside or outside aterminal.

In another example, a user may touch a press-ID element of a directionalinput unit while also swiveling his or her finger along a circular path.Based on a position which is touched by a user, a terminal selects whichone of multiple pre-selected operations to run, e.g., selecting to run agame operation. In addition, based on a shape of a path of the swivelingmovement, a terminal selects what kind of access authority to grant auser and then allows a user [1] to only play in a beginner's level, or[2] to play in an advanced level while utilizing various optionsprovided by such a game, i.e., by allowing a user to utilize differentamounts (or extents) of various options of an operation.

In another exemplary embodiment of this eighth exemplary aspect, adirectional input unit acquires at least one UI_(SEL) from varioustemporal features of such movements, where examples of such features mayinclude, but not limited to, [1] an instance of starting such amovement, [2] an instance of ending the movement, [3] a duration of themovement, or the like. Based on such temporal features, a directionalinput unit acquires at least one UI_(SEL) and then generates at leastone control signal based thereon. A terminal receives the controlsignal(s) and runs at least one pre-selected operation(s) which is (orare) selected from a set of multiple pre-selected operations based onthe control signal(s) (i.e., UI_(SEL)('s)). It is noted that adirectional input unit may acquire UI_(SEL) from a single user input (ormultiple concurrent user inputs). It is also appreciated that, even ifmultiple movements may occur for the same duration, such movements mayresult in different UI_(SEL)'s based on the starting or endinginstances.

In general, a duration of a movement generally refers to a temporalperiod of a movement. More particularly, a duration of a movement refers(or relates) to at least one period of a movement such as, e.g., [1] aperiod required to move from a 1^(st) point of a movement path to a2^(nd) point of such a path, [2] a period required to move along acertain portion of the movement path, [3] a period required to movealong a pre-selected path, while excluding a period to move off such apath, or the like. A duration may also be defined as an absolute periodof time or in a relative sense, where a relative period may be definedas a ratio of an absolute period of a movement to a reference time.

When a user input includes multiple movements therein, a duration mayrefer to each period of a movement, a sum of multiple periods ofmultiple movements, or the like. When at least two movements areseparated by a temporal gap, a duration may or may not include such agap. In addition, when at least two movements overlap each other, aduration may count such an overlap only once, such that a durationrefers to a period from a starting instance of a 1^(st) movement to anending instance of a 2^(nd) movement. Alternatively, when a user inputincludes a single movement which in turn includes multiple segments, theabove examples of this paragraph also applies to each segment or to anoverall movement.

A duration of such a movement may be directly monitored by any prior artclock or timer. In the alternative, a duration may be indirectlymeasured by a prior art force transducer or a prior art accelerationsensor, e.g., by an analytic or numerical integration of anacceleration, velocity, or the like. In addition, such a duration may bemeasured using an image sensor such as a camera or other imageacquisition sensors.

Based on such control signals, a terminal may select at least oneoperation from a set of multiple operations pre-selected by a user (or aterminal). When a user input involves multiple movements, [1] eachmovement may represent a different UI_(SEL) as well as a certainpre-selected operation matching such UI_(SEL), [2] at least one movementmay represent a certain access authority as described above, or thelike. Therefore, when a user translates at least one portion of adirectional input unit (with or without pressing such a portion) for aperiod longer than a preset threshold or when a user moves at least onebody part with respect to the input unit for such a longer period, aterminal selects and runs one of multiple pre-selected operations.However, when a user translates the same portion for a period shorterthan a preset threshold, a terminal may instead [1] run a differentpre-selected operation, [2] run the same pre-selected operation but onlywith a less access authority, or the like.

In another example, when a user translates the portion of the input unitalong a curvilinear path with multiple segments while assigning ashorter period of time with a 1^(st) segment while spending a longerperiod of time with a 2^(nd) segment, a directional input unit mayacquire UI_(SEL-1) and a terminal may select a certain operation suchas, e.g., a navigation operation. However, when a user spends more timealong the 1^(st) segment than 2^(nd) segment, a terminal may then runanother operation such as, e.g., a voice-command operation such as Siri.In another example, when a user touches or contacts the portion (with orwithout pressing the portion) while translating or pivoting the portionfor a longer period of time, a terminal may turn on a display unit, runan authentication operation (either concurrently or sequentially), andadvance to (or remains in) a lock mode when a user fails theauthenticating but advance to an unlock mode when a user passes theauthenticating. Alternatively, when a user touches or contacts theportion while translating or pivoting the portion for a short period oftime, a terminal then turns on its display unit and stays in (orswitches to) a lock (or unlock) mode.

In another exemplary embodiment of this eighth exemplary aspect, such adirectional input unit may acquire at least one UI_(SEL) from a numberof such movements. For example, a user may provide a single input whichis associated with multiple concurrent (or sequential) movements, or mayprovide multiple concurrent user inputs each of which may be associatedwith at least one movement. A directional input unit then generates acontrol signal matching with such UI_(SEL). A terminal then selects atleast one operation from a set of multiple pre-selected operations, andruns the operation.

A user input may be associated with various movements examples of whichmay include, but not limited to [1] movements of at least one movableportion of a directional input unit, [2] movements of at least one bodypart of a user, [3] movements of at least one non-user object, or [4]movements of at least one body part or non-user object which does notcontact any portion of a terminal (or a directional input unit) butwhich may rather be disposed away from a terminal (or a directionalinput unit) at a certain distance. Similarly, examples of a number ofsuch movements may include or relate to [1] a number of movable portionsof a directional input unit involved in the movement, [2] a number ofuser's body parts involved therein, [3] a number of non-user objectsinvolved therein, or [4] a combination of the above. When multiplemovements are involved in a user input, a pattern of each movement, anumber of temporal gaps included therein, a number of temporal overlapsincluded therein or other characteristics of such gaps or overlaps maybe used in acquiring UI_(SEL) as well. A terminal may also utilize thenumber of movements or various features associated with such numberssimilar to the above temporal or spatial features of various movements,or sequence of such movements.

A number of movements or movement sequences associated with various userinputs may be monitored by various conventional sensors such as, e.g., aprior art clock or timer, a prior art force or acceleration sensor, aprior art displacement sensor, a prior art motion or position sensor, orthe like. When desirable, a terminal may indirectly monitor such numberor sequence by an image sensor such as, e.g., a camera or other imageacquisition sensors, each capable of capturing images associated withsuch user inputs and analyzing such images from which a terminal maydiscern movements of movable portions of a directional input unit, thoseof user body parts which may (or may not) physically, electrically ormagnetically contact at least a portion of a directional input unit oranother part of a terminal. When desirable, a directional input unit oranother part of a terminal may also acquire and analyze other featuresassociated with the user inputs and indirectly acquire such a number ofmovements or movement sequences associated with various user inputs.

11-9. Interchangeability

Although the above embodiments or examples of this eighth exemplaryaspect relate to various directional input units of a mobilecommunication terminal in general, it is to be understood that all suchembodiments or examples equally apply to other mobile communicationterminals each of which includes at least one input unit operating likesuch directional input units and, therefore, capable of acquiringselecting (user) sub-inputs (UI_(SEL)). Accordingly, various embodimentsor examples of this eighth exemplary aspect may equally apply to anydirectional input unit of any mobile communication terminals.

Configurational or operational variations (or modifications) of suchdirectional input units described in various embodiments or examples ofthis eighth exemplary aspect may be interchangeable so that certainfeatures of one embodiment or one example of this eighth aspect may beapplied to another embodiment or example of the same aspect. Otherconfigurational or operational features, their variations ormodifications of various directional input units of this eighthexemplary aspect may [1] apply to, [2] be incorporated into, [3]replace, [4] be replaced by, or [5] be combined with correspondingfeatures of another exemplary aspect, embodiment or example of thisdisclosure described heretofore or to be described hereinafter, subjectto a certain omission, addition, and/or modification, each of which maybecome apparent based on detailed context of this eighth exemplaryaspect or other exemplary aspects of this disclosure.

12. Further Variations and Modifications

In the ninth exemplary aspect of this disclosure, various directionalinput units and various touch-ID or press-ID elements of suchdirectional input units as well as various mobile communicationterminals incorporating such directional input units may be modified orvaried to receive various user inputs, to acquire various (user)sub-inputs, to generate various control signals. Therefore, when (orafter) powering on, waking up, or switching modes, a terminal may runone or multiple pre-selected operations in direct or indirect responseto various user inputs, various (user) sub-inputs or various controlsignals.

12-1. Intuitively Seamless Operations

In one exemplary embodiment of this ninth exemplary aspect, a terminalmay match various selecting (user) sub-inputs (UI_(SEL)'s) to variousmovements caused by a user in order to grant him or her with differentaccess authorities. More particularly, such a terminal may allow a userto use his or her intuitions to allocate different access authorities toeach UI_(SEL), thereby guaranteeing a user with seamless operationsfortified with intuitive manipulations. To this end, a terminal may beconfigured to acquire UI_(SEL) while monitoring a direction of themovement, a force causing the movement, a duration of the movement, orthe like.

In one example, when a user rotates a movable portion of a directionalinput unit along a clockwise direction, a terminal (based onUI_(SEL-CL), i.e., a clockwise selecting sub-input) runs a pre-selectedoperation while giving a user with more access authority. However, whena user rotates the movable portion in a counter-clockwise direction, aterminal (based on UI_(SEL-CCL), i.e., a counter-clockwise selectingsub-input) may run the same (or a different) pre-selected operationwhile giving a user with less access authority. In the alternative, aterminal may be configured that, when a user rotates a movable portionover a greater (or smaller) angle, a terminal may run the samepre-selected operation (or different pre-selected operations) whilegranting the user with more (or less) access authority. This examplealso applies when a user provides a user input by moving his or her bodypart across or on a surface of a movable or stationary portion of adirectional input unit (e.g., one with a press-ID element or anotherwith a touch-ID element), when a user provides a user input by rotatinga non-user object over such an input unit with or without contactingsuch an input unit, or the like.

In another example, when a user translates a movable portion of adirectional input unit over a short distance, a terminal may run apre-selected operation while granting less access authority to a user.However, when a user translates a movable portion over a greaterdistance, a terminal may instead run the same (or different)pre-selected operation while giving a user with more access authority. Aterminal may be configured so that, when a user translates such aportion over a greater (or shorter) distance, a terminal may grant theuser with access authority which is proportional to such a distance,regardless of a direction of a translating movement. This example alsoapplies when a user provides a user input by translating his or her bodypart across or on a surface of a movable or stationary portion of adirectional input unit (e.g., one with a touch-ID element or one with atouch-ID element), when a user provides a user input by translating anon-user object over such an input unit with or without contacting suchan input unit, or the like.

In another example, when a user pushes or presses a movable portion of adirectional input unit with a weak force (or for a shorter period), aterminal runs a pre-selected operation while granting less accessauthority to a user. However, when a user pushes or presses such amovable portion with a greater force (or for a longer period), aterminal runs the same (or different) pre-selected operation whilegranting a user with more access authority. Therefore, such a terminalmay be configured that, when a user pushes or presses the portion with aforce of a greater (or smaller) magnitude or for a longer (or shorted)period, a terminal may run the same (or different) pre-selectedoperation while grant the user with access authority which may beproportional to a magnitude of the force or to a length of the contact.These examples also apply when a user provides a user input by touchinga body part across (or on) a surface of a movable or stationary portionof a directional input unit (e.g., one with a touch-ID or press-IDelement), when a user provides a user input by employing a non-userobject, or the like.

In another example, a terminal may grant a user with greater accessauthority when a user pivots a movable portion of a directional inputunit (or his body part) over a greater angle, at a faster speed, with agreater force, for a longer period of time, for a greater number oftimes, or the like. Similarly, a terminal may grant a user with greateraccess authority when a user presses or pushes (or touches) a movable(or stationary) portion of a directional input unit for a longer periodof time, at a faster speed, with a greater force, or with a greaternumber of times, or the like. Similarly, a terminal may grant greateraccess authority to a user as he or she makes a bigger motion such as,e.g., moving or waving at a terminal with bigger motions or biggermovements of his or her body parts, or the like.

12-2. Sensors for Acquiring Static and Dynamic Features

In another exemplary embodiment of this ninth exemplary aspect, adirectional input unit acquires a selecting (user) sub-input (UI_(SEL))from various static or dynamic features of structural or operationalcharacteristics of a hardware element of such an input unit. Forexample, a directional input unit may acquire UI_(SEL) from at least onestatic or dynamic feature of an electrical contact or a magneticcontact, those related to an opening (or a closing) of an electricalconnection formed by the above electrical contacts, those related to anopening (or a closing) of a magnetic connection formed by the abovemagnetic contacts, those related to an opening (or a closing) of anoptical connection formed by the above optical contacts, or the like. Inaddition, a directional input unit may acquire UI_(SEL) from absolutevalues of the above features or from temporal or spatial changes in suchvalues. Depending upon such static or dynamic features, a directionalinput unit may also generate different control signals at least one ofwhich may correspond to a desired UI_(SEL). A terminal may then selectat least one pre-selected operation from a set of multiple pre-selectedoperations, and may then run the pre-selected operation when or(immediately) after a terminal powers on, wakes up, or switches modes.

It is appreciated that such static or dynamic features of structural oroperational characteristics of a hardware element of a directional inputunit have to inherently depend on the hardware element. Therefore, ashape, a size, an arrangement, a disposition, a mechanism of operation,a contact (mechanical, electrical, magnetic or optical), or a coupling(mechanical, electrical, magnetic or optical) may also determine suchstatic or dynamic features. In addition, a response time, a sensitivity,a friction, or an elasticity may also affect such dynamic or staticfeatures to some extent.

In another exemplary embodiment of this ninth exemplary aspect, adirectional input unit may also acquire a selecting (user) sub-input(UI_(SEL)) based upon various static or dynamic features of a movementof [1] at least one movable portion of a directional input unit, [2] atleast one user body part which may directly or indirectly contact amovable (or stationary) portion of a directional input unit, [3] anon-user object, [4] a user body part or a non-user object which movesat a distance from such an input unit, or the like. Therefore, adirectional input unit may acquire UI_(SEL) from various static ordynamic features of (or associated with) such movements of a user bodypart or a non-user object, where such features may be defined in 2-D or3-D, may be a vector or a scalar, or the like.

More examples of such features may include those which may be relatedto, e.g., [1] a force causing such a movement, [2] a velocity of themovement, [3] an acceleration of the movement, [4] a momentum of such amovement, [5] an energy associated with the movement, [6] a displacementcaused by a movement, where each of such features may be defined in a2-D or a 3-D space, may be a scalar or a vector (when applicable), maybe an extent related to the movement (e.g., a magnitude, a speed, or adistance of travel), may relate to a path of the movement which may betime-varying or constant or which may be straight or curvilinear, may bea temporal duration, or the like. Such a feature may also include a 2-Dor 3-D position which may cause or result from the movement such as,e.g., a starting point, an ending point, a point which lies along a 2-Dor 3-D curvilinear path of the movement, or the like. Such features mayalso include a temporal change in any of such features (e.g., its changeover time), a spatial change in any of such features (e.g., its changeover a unit length or a unit angle in a preset direction), or the like.When the movement is oscillatory in its nature, such features mayinclude various wave characteristics such as, e.g., a (maximum orminimum) amplitude, a frequency, a wavelength, a phase angle, a phaselag, or the like.

Various prior art sensors other than those described above may beimplemented into a directional input unit in order to monitor at leastone of the above features of such movements. In one example, a prior artposition sensor may be recruited and included in a directional element,where such a sensor may monitor a position of at least one movable partof the input unit or at least one body part of a user (immediately)before a user provides a user input, while a user is providing a userinput, (immediately) after a user is done with providing a user input,or the like. Such a sensor may monitor an absolute position of such aportion or body part in a desirable coordinate system such as, e.g., aCartesian coordinate system, a cylindrical coordinate system, aspherical coordinate system, or another system customized for a certainconfiguration or mechanism of such an input unit. In the alternative,such a position sensor may monitor a relative position (i.e., a positionof such a portion or user body part) with respect to a certain referencepoint, line or plane, or a movement path with respect to a certainreference point, line or plane in a certain coordinate system. Such aposition sensor may monitor an absolute (or relative) position in a 2-Dplane or in a 3-D space. Therefore, a directional input unit mayincorporate a prior art position sensor such as, e.g., a capacitivetransducer, a capacitive displacement sensor, an eddy-current sensor, anultrasonic sensor, an inductive non-contact position sensor, aHall-effect sensor, a gravity sensor, a laser-Doppler vibrometer (if aspace is available), a linear variable displacement sensor (LVDT), amulti-axis displacement sensor, a photo-diode array, a piezoelectrictransducer, a proximity sensor (optical), a rotary encoder (angular), astring potentiometer (e.g., string pot), a seismic displacement pickup,a potentiometer, or the like.

Various prior art switches may be implemented into a directional inputunit in order to monitor at least one of the above features of suchmovements or, more particularly, to acquire UI_(SEL). For example, priorart switches may be recruited so as to form at least one electricalconnection between different elements of the input unit, where variouspoles or throws of various switches may serve as an electrical contactof a press-ID (or touch-ID) element or a directional element. Therefore,such prior art switches may be included in at least one of the elementsof a directional input unit as long as such prior art switches may beshaped or sized to fit into such an element(s) of a directional inputunit. In another example, such prior art switches may be (1) asingle-pole, double-throw (SPDT) switch, (2) a single-pole,multiple-throw (SPMT) switch which is similar to the SPDT but includesmultiple throws, (3) a double-pole, changeover (DPCO) switch, (4) asingle-pole, changeover switch (SPCO) which is similar to DPCO butincludes a single pole, or (5) multiple single-pole, single throwswitches (SPST). In addition, any prior art switches, any prior artcontrol units, or their hardware elements may also be recruited as longas such switches or control units may receive a user input or acquireUI_(SEL), e.g., receiving a single user input which accompaniestherewith UI_(SEL) and optionally at least one another (user) sub-input.In another example, such switches, control units or their hardwareelements which can be incorporated into the directional input unit mayinclude those which may be conventionally incorporated into (orincluded) in [1] a video-game console (e.g., a joystick), [2] a computer(e.g., a pointing stick found in a prior art IBM laptop) or othercomputer peripherals, [3] a control seat of an electric vehicle or anairplane, [4] a control panel of a lab instrument, or [5] a controlpanel of other places such as a factory.

Other prior art sensors may be implemented into a directional input unitin order to monitor at least one of the above features of suchmovements. For example, a prior art motion sensor may be recruited andincluded in a directional element, where such a sensor may monitormovements of at least one portion of such an input unit or movement ofat least one body part of a user. Typical examples of such prior artmotion sensors may include, but not limited to, an accelerometer, agyroscope, a compass, a barometer, or other sensors based on variousimages. In another example, a prior art displacement sensor may berecruited and included in the directional element, where such a sensormay monitor displacement of at least one portion of such an input unitor movement of at least one body part of a user caused by a user input.In another example, other prior art sensors which may sense a force,pressure, or the like, may also be recruited and included in such aninput unit as long as such sensors may also monitor at least one of theabove static or dynamic features of at least one movable portion of theinput unit, at least one body part of a user, at least one non-userobject, or the like.

12-3. Multiple Concurrent User Inputs and (User) Sub-Inputs

In another exemplary embodiment of this ninth exemplary aspect, adirectional input unit may also include [1] multiple movable portionsfor receiving a single user input (or multiple concurrent user inputs)or for acquiring a single UI_(SEL) (or multiple UI_(SEL)'s), [2]multiple stationary portions for receiving a single user input (ormultiple concurrent user inputs) or for acquiring a single UI_(SEL) (ormultiple UI_(SEL)'s), or [3] at least one movable portion and at leastone stationary portion for receiving a single user input (or multipleconcurrent user inputs) or for acquiring a single UI_(SEL) (or multipleUI_(SEL)'s) in combination. It is appreciated that a single user inputrefers to a user input applied to a terminal (or its directional inputunit) in such a way that, once a user supplies a user input bygenerating a movement (of at least one movable portion of the inputunit, of at least one body part of a user while contacting such an inputunit, of a non-user object contacting such an input unit, or of such abody part or a non-user object disposed at a distance from the inputunit and, therefore, not contacting such an input unit), a user does notdetach his or her single body part (or all of his or her multiple bodyparts) or a non-user object (or all of multiple non-user objects) from adirectional input unit or another input unit of the terminal until he orshe is completely finished with providing the single user input to suchan input unit or another input unit of a terminal. In such a context,when a user presses, pushes, contacts or touches a directional (or anon-directional) input unit with his or her multiple body parts, a usercan still provide multiple concurrent user inputs, e.g., by generating a2^(nd) movement which is different from an original 1^(st) movement witha certain body part, by generating a new movement with another bodypart, or by detaching a 2^(nd) body part from such an input unit as longas a user continues to press, push, contact or touch the input unit witha 1^(st) body part, or the like.

Therefore, when a single directional input unit (or multiple directionalinput units) of a terminal incorporates at least two of such movable orstationary portions of the above paragraph thereinto in order to acquirea single UI_(SEL) or multiple UI_(SEL)'s, a user may provide a terminal(or its directional input unit) with “multiple concurrent user inputs”by concurrently providing to the terminal (or such an input unit), e.g.,[1] an identical movement, a similar movement or a different movement toeach of at least two movable portions of the multiple portions, [2] anidentical contact (or touch), a similar contact or a different contactto each of at least two stationary (or movable) portions of suchmultiple portions, [3] a movement to at least one movable portion ofsuch multiple portions, as well as a contact (or touch) to at least onestationary (or movable) portion of the multiple portions, [4] a movementas well as a contact to one of such multiple portions, along with onlyone of a movement and a touch to another of such multiple portions, orthe like. As long as a directional input unit may acquire such UI_(SEL)(or UI_(SEL)'s) from multiple concurrent user inputs, a terminal mayallow a user to provide the directional input unit with variousmovements as described above.

It is appreciated that such “multiple concurrent movements” do not haveto be provided to a single directional input unit (or at least twodifferent directional input units) at exactly the same instance (orclock cycle). Rather, a user can provide a directional input unit withthe “multiple concurrent movements” [1] when a user provides (or startsto provide) each of at least two movements at the exactly same instance(or clock cycle), [2] when a user provides (or starts to provide) a1^(st) movement and then provides (or starts to provide) a 2^(nd)movement before a user finishes the 1^(st) movement, i.e., there existsat least one temporal overlap between such 1^(st) and 2^(nd) movements(i.e., in different clock cycles), [3] when a user provides (or startsto provide) each of multiple contacts (or touches) at the exactlyidentical instance (or clock cycle), [4] when a user provides (or startsto provide) a 1^(st) contact and then provides (or starts to provide) a2^(nd) contact before a user finishes a 1^(st) contact (i.e., indifferent clock cycles), [5] when a user provides (or starts to provide)a 1^(st) movement (or 1^(st) contact) and thereafter provides a 2^(nd)contact (or 2^(nd) movement) before a user finishes the 1^(st) movement,respectively (i.e., starting in different clock cycles), or the like.

Therefore, a user may provide such multiple movements in variousmanners. For example, a user may move a 1^(st) movable portion of adirectional input unit with a 1^(st) body part while moving another2^(nd) movable portion of such an input unit with a 2^(nd) body part,where the 1^(st) (or 2^(nd)) portion may incorporate therein the 2^(nd)(or 1^(st)) portion, where the 1^(st) and 2^(nd) portions may bedisposed away (or provided separately) from each other, or the like. Inanother example, a user may move a 1^(st) movable portion of adirectional input unit with a 1^(st) body part while maintaining acontact with the 1^(st) portion (or a different 2^(nd) portion) of thesame input unit with the 1^(st) body part (or a different 2^(nd) bodypart), where the 1^(st) portion may incorporate therein a 2^(nd) portion(or vice versa), where the 1^(st) and 2^(nd) portions are disposed away(or provided separately) from each other, or where the 1^(st) and 2^(nd)body parts correspond to the same body part of a user or such body partsare different body parts of the user. In another example, a user maytouch a 1^(st) stationary (or movable) portion of a directional inputunit with a 1^(st) body part, while manipulating a 2^(nd) movableportion of the same input unit with a 1^(st) (or 2^(nd)) body part,where the 1^(st) portion may incorporate the 2^(nd) portion therein (orvice versa), where the 1^(st) and 2^(nd) portions are disposed away (orprovided separately) from each other, or where the 1^(st) and 2^(nd)body parts are the same body part of a user or different body parts ofthe user. In another example, a user may touch a 1^(st) stationary (ormovable) portion of a directional input unit with a 1^(st) body partwhile touching a 2^(nd) portion of the same unit with a 2^(nd) bodypart, where the 1^(st) portion may include the 2^(nd) portion therein(or vice versa), or where the 1^(st) and 2^(nd) portions are providedseparately from each other.

It is noted in the preceding paragraph that the term “while” typicallymeans that there is at least one temporal overlap between the movements,between the movement and the touch (or contact), or between the touches.It is also appreciated in the preceding paragraph that the 1st and2^(nd) body parts of a user may correspond to [1] a single body part,[2] multiple portions (e.g., a proximal end, a distal end, a median end,a dorsal end, or a ventral end) of a single body part (e.g., a finger, apalm, a back hand, an eye, an iris, a retina, or a face), [3] multiplefingers of the same hand, [4] multiple fingers of different hands, [5]one finger and another body part (e.g., a hand, a palm, a back hand, aneye, an iris, a retina, or a face), or [6] two different other bodyparts at least one of which can provide at least one physiologicalfeature or condition as described above. It is noted in the twopreceding paragraphs that at least one of such 1^(st) and 2^(nd) bodyparts may be replaced by at least one non-user object such that, e.g., auser may touch or press a directional input unit while manipulating hisor her stylus or another non-user object, or the like. In addition, itis appreciated that the 1^(st) and 2^(nd) portion of a directional inputunit may correspond to, e.g., [1] two portions of a single directionalinput unit, where a 1^(st) portion may incorporate a 2^(nd) portiontherein or thereon, [2] a 1^(st) portion belongs to a 1^(st) directionalinput unit, while a 2^(nd) portion belongs to a 2^(nd) directional inputunit, [3] a 1^(st) portion belongs to a directional input unit, while a2^(nd) portion belongs to a non-directional input unit, or the like. Forthe 3^(rd) and last arrangement of the preceding sentence, [1] both ofsuch directional and non-directional input units may be implemented intoa mobile communication terminal, [2] one of such input units may beimplemented to a non-user object, or [3] one of such input units may beincorporated into a prior art wearable device as described above.

More particularly, a user may manipulate (e.g., press, move, touch,contact, or the like) multiple movable or stationary portions of adirectional input unit with one finger such as, e.g., by moving a 1^(st)portion with a tip of a finger while touching a 2^(nd) portion with awide middle portion of the same finger, where the 2^(nd) portion sits ontop of the 1^(st) portion. Alternatively, a user may manipulate multiplemovable or stationary portions of such an input unit with at least twofingers of the same hand such as, e.g., by concurrently using a thumb aswell as another finger of one hand while a user grabs a terminal withsuch a hand, by concurrently using a palm and one finger of one hand, orthe like. A user may also manipulate multiple movable or stationaryportions of such an input unit using two fingers of two different handssuch as, e.g., by using a thumb of a right hand to run an authenticationoperation while concurrently pressing at least one button or touching atouch screen with an index finger of a left hand, by concurrentlymanipulating two fingers of two different hands on or over a touchscreen, or the like. A user may instead move a movable portion of suchan input unit with a finger, while providing various images, sounds, orelectromagnetic (or acoustic) waves to another portion (or unit) of aterminal such as, e.g., by showing a face to a camera unit or anotherimage acquisition unit, while touching such a portion of a directionalinput unit, or talking or singing to a terminal while pressing such aportion of such an input unit. Accordingly, such multiple portions of adirectional input unit may concurrently acquire multiple (user)sub-inputs from each of such multiple portions. When desirable, aterminal (or its directional input unit) may also acquire at least two(user) sub-inputs one of which is an UI_(SEL).

Thus, a directional input unit can acquire at least one UI_(SEL) fromeach manipulation (e.g., a single movement, contact or touch directly orindirectly caused by a user) of at least two portions of a directionalinput unit, from a relative movement between multiple portions of adirectional input unit (e.g., when the input unit acquires at least oneUI_(SEL) based on a distance between such movable or stationaryportions), or the like. A directional input unit may generate anidentical control signal when, e.g., such portions may be disposed intwo different locations but where such multiple portions are separatedby an identical distance.

A user may also use his or her single or multiple body part while (atleast substantially) concurrently pressing, touching, contacting orotherwise manipulating multiple portions of a directional input unit(i.e., without having a considerable time gap therebetween, or withoutrequiring a user from continuing to contact or touch such an input unitand then requiring the user to restart another manipulation, or thelike). In other words, a user may press, push, contact, touch orotherwise manipulate such multiple portions of a directional input unitin a single movement (or effort) utilizing multiple body parts such as,e.g., multiple portions of a single finger, two fingers of the same ordifferent hands, or the like. Therefore, such user inputs are deemed asa single user input within the scope of this disclosure. Of course auser may provide multiple (user) sub-inputs along with such a singleuser input. As a result, a directional input unit acquires UI_(SEL) fromsuch a single user input, and may optionally acquire at least oneanother (user) sub-inputs such as, e.g., UI_(ACT), UI_(THEN), UI_(AUX),or the like

In another exemplary embodiment of this ninth exemplary aspect, adirectional input unit may acquire one or multiple (user) sub-inputsthrough at least one portion of the input unit, where one of the (user)sub-inputs is UI_(SEL). As defined above, a single user input refers toan input applied to a terminal so that, once providing the user input bya movement (or contact) of at least one movable (or stationary) portionof such an input unit or by a movement of at least one user body part(or a non-user object) over, on or with respect to the input unit, auser does not have to stop the movement or contact and then to make anyadditional movement or touch of any portion of the input unit, the bodypart, or the non-user object. Thus, a directional input unit receives asingle user input and acquires UI_(SEL), optionally along with at leastone another (user) sub-input, where a user may move multiple body partswith respect to the input unit, [1] where at least one body partsupplies UI_(SEL), while at least one another body part provides another(user) sub-input, [2] where multiple body parts supply UI_(SEL)together, while at least one another body part provides another (user)sub-input, or [3] where multiple body parts together supply UI_(SEL) aswell as at least one another (user) sub-input, where a user may use suchmultiple body parts concurrently, i.e., not necessarily at the exactlysame instance (or clock cycle), but with a temporal overlap betweenacquisition timings of at least two of such (user) sub-inputs. That is,a user may manipulate such multiple portions of a directional input unitin a single movement by using his or her multiple body parts, e.g., twoportions of a single finger, two fingers of the same of different hands,or the like.

More particularly, a user may manipulate his or her multiple body partswith respect to a directional input unit (at least substantially)concurrently, e.g., similar to a prior art “pinch-to-zoom” or touchingdifferent portions of a directional input unit with two fingers. A usermay instead manipulate one or more fingers and an eye (or a face) withrespect to such a directional input unit at least substantiallyconcurrently, e.g., pushing or touching at least one portion of adirectional input unit with a finger and concurrently disposing his (orher) face (or eye) for being captured by a camera element, e.g., to runa fingerprint authentication operation and a face (or an iris)authentication operation. Other combinations are also possible butdetails are omitted here.

It is appreciated that the “user input” or “single user input” explainedin this Sub-Section 12.3 is to be referred to as the “3^(rd) user input”or as the “3^(rd) single user input” hereinafter. Of course this 3^(rd)single user input is one of “user inputs” or “single user inputs” aswill be explained below.

12-4. Manually Selecting Pre-Selected Operations

As described above, a terminal (or a user) may select multiplepre-selected operations and may match such operations with multipleUI_(SEL)'s in various ways in such a way that a user may select at leastone operation from a set of multiple pre-selected operations while aterminal is in its off-state and that a terminal runs the selectedoperation when or (immediately) after a terminal powers on, wakes up, orswitches modes. Such a terminal may run the selected operation eitherconcurrently with, (immediately) after or with a certain period of timeafter a terminal may [1] turn on a display unit, [2] run (or start torun) at least one authentication operation, [3] start such turning orrunning, or [4] complete such turning or running. Accordingly, aterminal (or a user) may choose at least two operations to be includedin the set of multiple pre-selected operations, e.g., [1] after aterminal manufacturer manufactures the terminal, [2] after a wholesaleror retailer purchases a terminal but before selling the terminal to auser, [3] after a user purchases a terminal but before he or she usessuch a terminal, [4] while a user uses such a terminal, or the like.

In another exemplary embodiment of this ninth exemplary aspect, amanufacturer of a terminal may choose multiple pre-selected operationsand may include them into a set of such multiple pre-selectedoperations. A manufacturer may then assign each of such multiplepre-selected operations into each of multiple different or uniqueUI_(SEL)'s so that such a set may establish a 1-to-1, 1-to-multiple,multiple-to-1 or multiple-to-multiple matching therebetween. Thereafter,a terminal may allow a user to add at least new operation to a set or todelete at least one operation therefrom. Thus, by assigning a newoperation to a new UI_(SEL), a new matching is established between thenew operation and the new UI_(SEL). To the contrary, by invalidating orcanceling a pre-existing matching between at least one operation and atleast one UI_(SEL), a previous matching is deleted from such a set. Ineither way, an entire matching in such a set may also be modified orupdated. A terminal may lock such a set in order to prevent a user fromadding any new operation thereto, from deleting any pre-existingoperation therefrom, from changing the matching between suchpre-selected operations and UI_(SEL)'s, or the like. Accordingly, anentire matching in such a set may not be modified or updated. In thealternative, a terminal may allow a user to add certain operations to aset, to delete any (or only certain) operations from a set, or the like.

In another exemplary embodiment of this ninth exemplary aspect, aterminal manufacturer selects multiple operations, include suchpre-selected operations to the set as described in the above example,but allows a user to modify or update the set. Alternatively, a terminalmay not select any pre-selected operation so that such a set may remainempty or may instead include at least one essential pre-selectedoperation which a user may or may not delete. In either case, a user mayselect at least one operation of his or her own choice and includes suchan operation into such a set. Such a terminal may match each of suchUI_(SEL)'s with each of such multiple pre-selected operations, e.g., [1]based upon a temporal order of selection, [2] based upon an order asstored in such a set, [3] based on a priority determined by a user, [4]in an alphabetical (or reverse) order, [5] randomly, or the like. Ineither way, an entire matching in a set may then be established. A usermay add at least one new operation to such a set or may delete at leastone pre-existing operation therefrom. Alternatively, a user may lock theset such that only an authorized user may change the set (or even such auser may not change the set). When desirable, a terminal may allow auser to change matchings in the set so that multiple UI_(SEL)'s may bematched to different control signals or to different pre-selectedoperations and that a terminal may locate which one of such multiplepre-selected operations to run in one of various timings as describedabove.

12-5. Adaptively Selecting Pre-Selected Operations

In another exemplary embodiment of this ninth exemplary aspect, aterminal may be configured to select the pre-selected operationsadaptively. That is, a terminal is equipped with an “adaptive selection”capability and, therefore, such a terminal may adaptively choose suchmultiple pre-selected operations and establish the set which matchesmultiple UI_(SEL)'s with multiple pre-selected operations (or multiplecontrol signals) according to, e.g., 1-to-1, 1-to-n, m-to-1 or m-to-nmatchings. To this end, such a matching list may be provided to a useras an empty set (i.e., no pre-selected operations stored therein), as aset with one or multiple manufacturer-selected operations includedtherein, or the like. A user may then add a new operation to such a set,may replace pre-existing operations with new operations (e.g., newerversion of the same operations or different operations), or the like.Thereafter, a terminal may [1] add new operations to the set, [2] deletepre-existing operations from the set, [3] modify pre-existing operationsin the set, [4] rearrange an order of operations in the set, [5] changeor modify a matching between at least one UI_(SEL) and at least onepre-selected operation (or control signal), [6] grant an accessauthority to such operations in the set, [7] cancel an access authoritytherefrom, [8] modify access authority granted to some of suchoperations, or the like, according to at least one preset “criterion”which may be manually selected by a user or adaptively selected by aterminal.

In one example, a terminal may update or modify pre-selected operationsincluded in such a set based upon at least one of following criteriasuch as, e.g., [1] a frequency of running such operations by a user(e.g., the most (or 2^(nd) most) frequently used operation, or the leastused operation), [2] a temporal period which a user spends in runningsuch an operation (e.g., the longest used operation in a single run orcumulatively), [3] an order of running multiple operations (e.g.,running an email operation followed by running a SNS operation), [4] themost (or 2^(nd) most) frequently used operation while switching from anoff-state (in which a display unit is turned off) to an active state (inwhich a display unit is turned on), [5] the most (or 2^(nd) most)frequently used operation while switching from an active state to anoff-state, [6] a time of the day (e.g., running work-related operationsduring the daytime, but running operations related to personal mattersat night), [7] a place or location (e.g., running work-relatedoperations in the work place, but running operations for personalmatters away from an office or at home), [8] an environment (e.g.,running a SNS operation for checking a rating in a restaurant or forshopping information at a shopping mall, [9] access authorities which auser grants to such operations run by a terminal (e.g., promoting anoperation with the greatest access authority to the top of such a set,while demoting an operation with the least access authority to a bottomof the set or deleting such an operation from the set), or the like.

In another example, a terminal may update or modify such a set ofmultiple pre-selected operations and also change matchings betweenmultiple UI_(SEL)'s with multiple pre-selected operations (or multiplecontrol signals) in various ways based on any of the above criteria. Inone case, a terminal monitors each operation run by a user, collects useinformation, and obtains use statistics of the user. Based on suchstatistics and the preset criterion as described above, a terminal maymodify such set of multiple pre-selected operations (i.e., adding newoperations thereto, deleting pre-existing operations therefrom, changingorders of such operation inside the set, or the like) in variousinstances such as, e.g., [1] when a user activates a terminal (i.e.,turning on a display unit), [2] when a user inactivates a terminal(i.e., turning off a display unit), [3] when a user powers on a terminalfrom a power-off state, [4] when a user powers off a terminal from apower-on state, [5] when a user commands to do so, or the like.

It is appreciated that a user provides a terminal with a user inputwhich includes at least one UI_(SEL) therein so that a terminal may runat least one pre-selected operation when or (immediately) after itpowers on, wakes up, or switches modes. Therefore, it is desirable of auser to be aware which UI_(SEL) renders a terminal run a pre-selectedoperation when it turns on a display unit (or when it advances to acertain mode of operation) or which UI_(SEL) may match whichpre-selected operation. To this end and in another example, a terminalmay update or modify such a set of multiple pre-selected operations ormay change such matchings between multiple UI_(SEL)'s and multiplepre-selected operations (or multiple control signals) in such a set,only after obtaining an approval from a user, preferably in advance. Aterminal may obtain such a pre-approval in various instances such as,e.g., [1] when a user activates a terminal (i.e., turning on a displayunit), [2] when a user inactivates a terminal (i.e., turning off itsdisplay unit), [3] when a user powers on a terminal from its power-offstate, [4] when a user powers off a terminal from its power-on state,[5] when a user commands to do so, [6] at a certain time of a day (e.g.,at every midnight), [7] at a certain day of a week or month (e.g., atevery Sunday, on every 1^(st) (or last) day of a month, or the like.

In another example, it is desirable of a user to know (or acknowledge)what types of changes or updates are to be (or have been) made onto sucha set matching multiple UI_(SEL)'s with multiple pre-selected operations(or multiple control signals). Therefore, once a terminal changes ormodifies such a set (with or without a user's pre-approval), a terminalmay inform a user of a new list of operations included in such a set,new matchings between multiple UI_(SEL)'s and multiple pre-selectedoperations, or the like. In one case, a terminal may use various noticeunits as have been described above while generating visual, audible ortactile notice signals. In another case, a terminal may use its displayunit to display such a new list of the set, such new matchings, or thelike, while optionally generating such audible or tactile noticesignals.

After a terminal changes or modifies a matching list (e.g., adding newoperations to the set, deleting certain operations therefrom,rearranging an order of such operations therein, modifying accessauthorities granted thereto, or the like), a terminal may alert a userby displaying such operations included in a new matching list, withoptionally highlighting changes (e.g., additions, deletions ormodifications) made to such a matching list in the sub-screens or on thedisplay unit. More particularly, after making such modifications orchanges in the matching list, a terminal may still display unchangedmultiple UI_(SEL)'s or multiple pre-selected operations on the samesub-screens (or in the same locations on the display unit), whileoptionally highlighting changes in UI_(SEL)'s or pre-selectedoperations. Alternatively, a terminal may display the unchanged as wellas modified UI_(SEL)'s or pre-selected operations in a new order orarrangement.

When a terminal monitors a change in a use pattern of variousoperations, a terminal may modify or change the matching list inresponse thereto. However, when such modifications or changes are basedon a minute change in the use pattern, a user may feel confused ratherthan satisfied. In order to overcome this problem, a terminal maymonitor a change in the use pattern and then modify or change thematching list only when a change exceeds a preset threshold.Accordingly, when a terminal identifies a change in the use patter whichexceeds a certain range, a terminal regards a pre-existing matching listas invalid or obsolete and changes or modifies the list. Moreparticularly, when a terminal uses a single criterion, a terminal mayreadily review and identify a change in a use pattern and, whennecessary, may update or modify the matching list. When a terminalemploys multiple preset criteria, however, a terminal may obtain a scoreor an arithmetic, weighted or another average of such changes in the usepattern, and may update or modify the matching list based thereon.

After monitoring use statistics, a terminal may adopt a new criterion ordelete a pre-existing criterion, with or without a request by a user,with or without obtaining a pre-approval from a user, or the like. Basedthereon, a terminal may modify or change the matching list of multiplepre-selected operations as well. Alternatively, a user may adopt a newcriterion or delete a pre-existing criterion. When a terminal adoptsmultiple criteria as described above, a terminal (or user) may changeweighting factors for each criterion. In addition, a terminal may allowa user to turn on or off such adaptive selection capability.

12-6. Switching Modes of Operation

In another exemplary embodiment of this ninth exemplary aspect, variousdirectional input units may receive a single user input includingtherein at least one UI_(SEL) which represents that a pre-selectedoperation is the one of switching a mode of operation. It is appreciatedthat the operation of “switching a mode of operation” corresponds to anoperation of “advancing a terminal” to a certain mode of operation,particularly when such a terminal was (or has been) in an off-state andits display unit was (or has been) turned off. Therefore, while or(immediately) after powering on, waking up, or switching modes, such aterminal advances to a lock mode, an unlock mode or an intermediate modebased on UI_(SEL).

In some occasions, however, a terminal which is about to power on orwake up from its off-state may advance to a certain mode or state notonly based on UI_(SEL) but also on results obtained by running anotheroperation. A typical example of such an occasion is when a terminalemploys at least one user authentication and runs at least oneauthentication operation concurrently with (or sequentially after)receiving a user input (or acquiring UI_(THEN)). Thereafter, a terminalmay advance to a lock mode when a user fails the authenticating,regardless of whether UI_(SEL) represents running a pre-selectedoperation of advancing to an unlock mode. When a user passes suchauthenticating, a terminal may advance to an unlock mode, or a terminalmay still advance to a lock (or intermediate) mode when UI_(SEL)represents running a pre-selected operation of advancing to a lock (orintermediate) mode, regardless of the results from the userauthentication. It then follows that a terminal may employ one ofvarious hierarchies to advance to a lock mode, to an unlock mode or toany intermediate mode.

As described above, once advancing to or operating in an unlock mode, aterminal may typically grant a user to access [1] an entire (or at leasta substantial) portion of at least one hardware element of a terminal,[2] all (or almost all) hardware elements of a terminal, [3] an entire(or at least a substantial) portion of at least one software elementthereof, [4] all (or almost all) software elements thereof, or the like.Therefore, a terminal operating in an unlock mode may grant a currentuser to [5] run all (or a majority of) operations which can be run (orexecuted) by the hardware or software elements of a terminal, [6] selectall (or a majority of) options available in running the operation, [7]access or retrieve all (or a majority of) data permanently ortemporarily stored in a memory member or other hardware elements, [8]store all (or a majority of) data into the memory member or otherhardware elements when needed, or [9] modify, change or rearrange all anentire (or only a selected) portion of such hardware or softwareelements.

In contrary, when a terminal advances to or operates in a lock mode, aterminal may typically grant the user with the least access authority.Therefore, a user may not access any portion or any element as describedin [1] to [4] of the preceding paragraph in a lock mode, may not run anyoperation as enumerated in [5] to [9] in the preceding paragraph in alock mode, or the like. In the alternative, a user may access only alimited portion or element as described in [1] to [4] of the aboveparagraph in a lock mode, or may run only a limited number of operationas enumerated in [5] to [9] in the preceding paragraph in a lock mode.When a terminal advances to or operates in an intermediate mode, aterminal may grant a user with access authorities which fall betweenthose in the unlock mode and those in the lock mode.

Various directional input units as described above may be recruited forswitching (or advancing to) a mode of operation. In one example, thematching list may include at least one UI_(SEL) which is matched to anoperation of switching (or advancing to) a certain mode of operation.Based thereon, a terminal may switch or advance to a complete lock mode,a partial lock mode, a partial unlock mode, a complete unlock mode, orthe like. In the alternative, a terminal may switch or advance to anunlock mode with the most access authorities, a semi-unlock mode withmore access authorities, a semi-lock mode with less access authorities,a lock mode with the least access authorities, or the like. In otherwords, a terminal may define various hierarchies each of which mayinclude multiple modes with different access authorities.

It is appreciated that a terminal typically requires a userauthentication when a user switches from a 1^(st) mode granted with lessaccess authority to a 2^(nd) mode granted with more of such accessauthority. However, such a terminal may not require any authenticatingwhen it switches from a mode with more access authority to a mode withless access authority. Although a terminal may switch a mode ofoperation according to the above typical arrangements, a terminal mayswitch or advance to a new mode in different arrangements, where oneexample of such arrangements is when a user provides a certain UI_(SEL)with an intention that a terminal must switch (or advance) to adesirable mode of operation, whether or not a user may pass suchauthenticating. It is therefore understood that a software designer mayconfigure an O/S or a (software) application in order to account forsuch various design interests, user needs or user convenience.

In the above examples of this exemplary embodiment of the ninthexemplary aspect, it is presumed that a user provides a terminal with auser input including therein or accompanying therewith UI_(SEL) whichcorresponds to an operation of switching to a preset mode in which auser may desire to operate a terminal when or (immediately) after aterminal powers on, wakes up, or switches modes. In another exemplaryembodiment of this ninth exemplary aspect, however, a user may insteadmanipulate a terminal to advance to (or switch to) a certain mode, notby directly rendering a terminal advance to a certain mode of operationbut by rendering the terminal run a certain pre-selected operation whichmay have to be run in a certain mode of operation. In other words, byproviding UI_(SEL) and selecting a certain operation, the terminalindirectly selects in which mode it should operate once powering on,waking up, or switching modes. In some cases, the indirect selection ofthe modes may be straightforward so that running a database operation onpersonal financial data requires a certain authority to access personaldata, running an email operation to coworkers may not require higheraccess authority, or the like. In other cases where matching a properaccess authority to a certain operation is not straightforward, a usermay grant a desired access authority to a certain operation.

In another exemplary embodiment of this ninth exemplary aspect, aterminal may also allow a user to drive a preset hardware element or toexecute a certain software element with the same access authorityregardless of circumstances. To the contrary, a terminal may allow theuser to drive such an element or to execute such an element withdifferent access authorities based on circumstances. Therefore, when auser runs an email operation, a terminal may grant a user with the sameaccess authority whether a user selects a coworker or a family member asa recipient. In the alternative, such a terminal may selectively grant auser with different access authority depending upon which person a userselects as a recipient.

To this end, a terminal may allow a user to access its storage memberbut, depending upon a user's access authority, a terminal may allow auser to access different portions of data stored therein, to accessdifferent sectors of the storage member, to execute different portionsof a software element, or the like. Therefore, it may be desired tonotify a user of a mode of operation which a terminal takes such a user.A user may then ascertain he or she is to operate a terminal in a rightor desirable mode of operation. When a user finds out that he or she isin a wrong mode of operation, a user may [1] provide UI_(SEL) once more,[2] provide different UI_(THEN) for another authenticating, or [3] takeother remedial actions.

As described above, a terminal may generate various notice signals aboutwhich mode of operation a terminal may advance to and in which mode ofoperation he or she is to operate by providing, e.g., [1] visual signalseach of which corresponds to each of such modes of operation byutilizing different colors, brightness, contrasts, or hues, bydisplaying different characters, images or objects in different shapes,sizes, patterns or arrangements, [2] audible signals each correspondingto each of such different modes of operation by using differentmelodies, sounds, beeps, or the like, by generating such signals indifferent volumes or durations with or without temporal gaps oroverlaps, or [3] tactile signals each corresponding to each of suchmodes of operation by using a vibration or a series of vibrations indifferent amplitudes or durations, with or without any temporal gaps oroverlaps, by generating such vibrations in a preset location of aterminal (from a right side of a terminal or a back side thereof), orthe like. As a result, a user may ascertain which mode of operation heor she is getting into. When a user finds that a terminal takes him orher to a mode different from what a user expected, then he or she maytake remedial actions.

12-7. Details of Type-2 Directional Input Units

As described above, one of the objectives of various mobilecommunication terminals of this disclosure is to receive a single userinput (or multiple concurrent user inputs) and to acquire therefrom atleast one (user) sub-input which includes UI_(SEL), where a user inputcorresponds to a contact, a touch or multiple touches (i.e.,“multi-touch” hereinafter) by at least one body part of a user (or anon-user object) and where such a contact, touch or multi-touch by abody part(s) or a non-user object is performed by a user with respect toat least one stationary portion or a movable portion of a directionalinput unit.

It is appreciated that such a body part of a user may be the body partwhich is contacting or pressing at least a portion of a directionalinput unit (i.e., a “contacting body part” which may or may not activelypress at least a portion of a directional input unit) or a body partwhich is positioned away from a directional input unit at a certaindistance (i.e., a “non-contacting body part” which does not contact theinput unit and which does not press the input unit), or the like.

In another exemplary embodiment of this ninth exemplary aspect, adirectional input unit acquires a certain UI_(SEL) from a single contact(or a single touch), where such a contact may be maintained at a certainposition of such an input unit. To this end, a directional input unittypically defines multiple portions thereon, thereover or therearound insuch a way that a user may contact or touch each of such multipleportions while intending to provide different UI_(SEL)'s.

FIG. 15A show an exemplary arrangement of acquiring UI_(SEL) from apoint at which a user creates the single contact (or a single touch),where circles A through G show distinct portions defined on an exemplarytouch-ID element of a directional input unit and where the input unit ofthis example is similar to the directional input unit of the sixthexemplary aspect of this disclosure and to that of FIG. 12. It is alsonoted in this exemplary directional input unit (23) that a substantialarea (24R) of a top surface of such an input unit (23) is implementedwith multiple sensors and divided into seven portions such as, e.g.,portions A to G.

As depicted in the figure, each of multiple portions of a directionalinput unit may include a sensor which may sense a touch (or a contact)by a user body part (or a non-user object), where each of such portionsmay be designated to (or matched with) each of multiple UI_(SEL)'s sothat, e.g., a directional input unit may recognize a touch sensed in aportion A as UI_(SEL-1) for running a mode changing operation, anothertouch monitored in a portion C as UI_(SEL-2) for running a secondary (oradditional) user authentication operation (e.g., different from aprimary fingerprint authentication operation), or another contact formedin portion F as UI_(SEL-3) for running an operation of viewing, editingor sending emails. In other words, when a user touches or contacts acertain portion, a directional input unit may acquire a certain UI_(SEL)based upon a location or an identity of the portion, while a directionalinput unit may acquire a different UI_(SEL) when a user touches orcontacts a different portion. When a user desires to provide a singleUI_(SEL) or multiple UI_(SEL)'s with a multi-touch arrangement, a usermay simply touch (or contact) multiple portions of a directional inputunit from which a directional input unit may acquires multipleUI_(SEL)'s either concurrently or sequentially.

When desirable, a directional input unit may utilize such multiplesensing portions in order to acquire different (user) sub-inputs. Forexample, such an input unit may incorporate multiple sensors in a singleportion such that the sensors may sense different (user) sub-inputs andacquire multiple (user) sub-inputs. Accordingly, a user may simply touchor contact a single portion of a directional input unit which may thenacquire different (user) sub-inputs therefrom, where examples of suchconcurrently acquired (user) sub-inputs may be such as e.g., UI_(SEL)and UI_(ACT), or UI_(SEL) and UI_(THEN).

In another example, a directional input unit may also incorporate atleast two different portions each of which includes multiple sensorstherein and each of which acquires multiple (user) sub-inputs such as,e.g., UI_(SEL) and UI_(ACT), UI_(SEL) and UI_(THEN), UI_(ACT) andUI_(THEN), or the like. This arrangement may be beneficial in reducingan error in providing wrong (user) sub-inputs or in misidentifying acertain (user) sub-input as another (user) sub-input, at the cost ofrequiring a user to provide a greater number of (user) sub-inputs.

Although the directional input unit of FIG. 15A exemplifies that of FIG.12, this input unit may be implemented into other types of variousdirectional input units of this disclosure. Therefore, such an areaimplemented with such sensors in such portions of a top surface may beprovided not on the top surface but around a side edge of such an inputunit, may be implemented into a smaller area of a top surface, may beincorporated into a suitable area of various press-ID elements asexemplified above, or the like.

In addition, such an area implemented with such sensors may be providedinto a prior art touch screen-type input unit so that a certain (or anentire) sensing area of the touch screen may include the same ordifferent sensors. Therefore, a user may readily provide a single userinput (or multiple concurrent user inputs) to one or multiple portions,thereby allowing a terminal to acquire a desired UI_(SEL)(s).

This arrangement provides a benefit of allowing a user to provide eachof different UI_(SEL)'s simply by touching or contacting differentportions of a directional input unit. Accordingly, this arrangement maybe implemented into various conventional input units such as, e.g., atouch screen-type input unit, an input unit including one or multipletouch-sensitive or contact-sensitive sensors, examples of which areprovided in detail below. This arrangement, however, may require suchsensors to be implemented into a certain area of a directional inputunit, which may require such an input unit to define a certain minimumsurface area.

Therefore and in another exemplary embodiment of this ninth exemplaryaspect, a directional input unit may acquire a certain UI_(SEL) from asingle contact (or a single touch), where a user may change a positionof such a contact (or a touch) over or above various portions of such aninput unit. That is, a user may provide such a single touch (or a singlecontact) with a single effort, and then move a user body part (or anon-user object) on, over or across such portions of the input unit but,while not detaching all of his or her body part(s) (or all non-userobject(s)) away from such portions (or directional input unit).

Therefore, a user may move his or her body part (or a non-user object)over various portions of a directional input unit, where various sensorswhich are disposed into such portions may keep track of positions ofsuch a contact (or a touch) and, accordingly, may sense a movement of atleast one user body part or at least one non-user object on, over oracross such portions therefrom. A directional input unit then acquires acertain UI_(SEL) from a set of multiple UI_(SEL)'s each of which may bematched or designated to at least one pre-selected operation.Accordingly, various directional input units may sense various static ordynamic features which are related to the movement of the user body part(or non-user object). FIGS. 15B to 15E are several exemplaryarrangements of such directional input units.

In FIG. 15B, an exemplary directional input unit acquires UI_(SEL) froma vector (or a sum of multiple vectors) of a movement (or a change in aposition) of a contact (or touch) between a portion of the input unitand a user body part (or a non-user object). In other words, adirectional input unit senses a starting point and an ending point ofthe movement, and acquires UI_(SEL) therefrom, regardless of a detailed2-D or 3-D path (or trajectory) of the movement.

Accordingly, as to two exemplary movement paths such as P1 and P2 shownin FIG. 15B, a directional input unit senses a portion G as a startingpoint of the movement, while sensing a different portion A as an endingpoint of the movement. The directional input unit may then acquireUI_(SEL) from the positions or nature of such portions B and A,regardless of their actual path of the movement, P1 and P2. Due to thissensing algorithm, a directional input unit acquires the same UI_(SEL)from these two different movements. In this context, such an exemplaryinput unit of FIG. 15B may be deemed to acquire UI_(SEL) from a vector(or a sum of multiple vectors) of a movement of a user body part (or anon-user object).

Still referring to FIG. 15B, a third movement path P3 has a path (or atrajectory) which is identical to the path P1. Although the paths P1 andP3 start in the same portion G, however, the path P3 terminates in aportion B, while the path P1 ends in the portion A. Therefore, anexemplary directional unit acquires different UI_(SEL)'s from each ofsuch paths P1 and P3.

This arrangement provides a benefit of allowing a user to provide eachof different UI_(SEL)'s simply by starting to touch or contact a certainportion of a directional input unit and then by moving a user body part(or a non-user object) to another portion thereof, without having toworry about a speed of movement or an exact path thereof. In addition,this arrangement may be readily implemented into various prior art inputunits as long as such conventional input units may sense a startingpoint of the movement and an ending point thereof, with or withouthaving to keeping track of detailed movement paths or trajectoriesbetween such points.

In FIG. 15C, an exemplary directional input unit acquires UI_(SEL), notfrom a starting point or an ending point of a movement, but from adetailed path of a movement of a contact (or a touch) between a portionof the input unit and a user body part (or a non-user object). That is,a directional input unit keeps track of an actual path (or trajectory)of a movement (or a change in positions) of the contact or touch andacquires UI_(SEL) therefrom. Therefore, this directional input unit isconfigured to acquire UI_(SEL) only based on a shape or an orientationof the movement path and not based entirely on the starting or endingpoint.

Accordingly, as to two exemplary movement paths such as P1 and P3 shownin FIG. 15C, a directional input unit senses certain turns or changes inpositions of a movement, and acquires the same UI_(SEL) from such twodifferent movements. However, as to two exemplary movement paths such asP1 and P2 both of which start in the same portion G and terminate in thesame portion A, such an input unit acquires two different UI_(SEL)'s,for their movement paths are not identical to each other. It isappreciated that the directional input unit of this arrangement may berequired to keep track of an entire trajectory of the movement or, whendesirable, may only need to keep track of a certain portion of themovement, some points of the movement, or the like.

Another exemplary directional input unit in FIG. 15D may be deemed as asimplified version of that shown in FIG. 15C. For example, the inputunit acquires UI_(SEL), not from a starting or ending point of amovement, not from a detailed path of the movement, but from a directionof the movement in a certain point. Accordingly, a directional inputunit may acquire UI_(SEL) from a direction of a movement at a startingpoint (or portion A) such as, e.g., P1, P2 or P3. In other words, suchan input unit first senses a starting point of a contact (or a touch)and then senses a direction of a movement starting therefrom. In thealternative, a directional input unit may acquire UI_(SEL) from adirection of the movement at an ending point (or portion B) such as,e.g., P4, P5 or P6.

This arrangement offers the benefit of using a simpler sensor and asimpler algorithm than those of FIG. 15D, for this arrangement may notrequire the directional input unit to keep track of an actual trajectory(or path) of the entire movement. This arrangement also offers thebenefit of allowing a user to supply a user input which is simpler thanthat of FIG. 15D, for the user has only to care about a direction of themovement only at some points, not along an entire (or a substantialportion) path of the movement.

In FIG. 15E, an exemplary directional input unit acquires UI_(SEL), notfrom a certain point along a trajectory of a movement, not from adirection of such a movement in any point, but from a length of atrajectory (or path) of a movement. As shown in the figure, multiplesensors implemented into the directional input unit may sense andaccumulate a total length of a movement of such a contact (or touch),and then acquire UI_(SEL) from a total length of the movement. Insteadof measuring the total length of the movement, a directional input unitmay acquire a total temporal length of such a movement and acquireUI_(SEL) therefrom as well.

Therefore, as shown in the figure, different user inputs along paths P1,P2, and P3 define movement lengths which is in the order of P1, P2, andP3. A directional input unit then acquires different UI_(SEL)'s based onsuch lengths, and run one of multiple pre-selected operations based oneach of such UI_(SEL)'s. When such an input unit is arranged to acquireUI_(SEL) from a temporal length of the movement, however, it is notapparent to tell which movement path will takes the shortest or longestperiod of time, for the period depends not only on a movement length butalso a speed of the movement.

This arrangement offers a user with various benefits. One apparentbenefit is the simplicity in providing such a selecting (user)sub-input, for a user has to pay attention to a spatial or temporallength of the movement. Another benefit is that a bystander may find itdifficult to learn what kind of movement is required to provide acertain UI_(SEL).

Although only several examples have been explained for such an exemplaryembodiment, a directional input unit may incorporate variouscombinations, variations or modifications of the above examples.Therefore and in one example, a directional input unit may employ acombination of at least two features of such examples so that it mayacquire UI_(SEL) from a position of a contact (or touch) and a length ofa movement path. In another example, a directional input unit mayacquire UI_(SEL) from a position of a contact (or a touch) as well asfrom a direction of movement therefrom. It is appreciated that, as aterminal combines more of the above features, a user may be able todifferentiate a greater number of movements (or more static or dynamicfeatures thereof) and to supply each of a greater number of differentUI_(SEL)'s to a directional input unit. However, too numerous differentUI_(SEL)'s may confuse a user in memorizing each UI_(SEL) or may inducea user to make inadvertent or unwanted errors in providing a correctUI_(SEL) to such an input unit.

One or more of the above examples may also be implemented when adirectional input unit employs a multi-touch arrangement. In oneexample, a user may touch or contact a directional input unit with twofingers and then generate a movement of one finger but not another. Theinput unit then utilizes a position of a stationary finger as well as amovement of another finger, and then acquires UI_(SEL) from both of suchstatic and dynamic features.

In another example, a user may touch or contact a directional input unitwith his two fingers, and generate at least two movements with bothfingers. The input unit may then sense various dynamic features of eachof the movements and acquire UI_(SEL) from such features of themovements. To this end, a directional input unit may sense each featureof the movements such as, e.g., a movement path of a 1^(st) finger and aposition of an ending point of a 2^(nd) finger, a direction of amovement of a 1^(st) finger at a starting portion and a total length ofa movement of a 2^(nd) finger, or the like. As a result, each feature ofeach movement may render such an input unit acquire a differentUI_(SEL). In the alternative, the input unit may sense a sum or acumulative result of multiple movements such as, e.g., a vector sum of a1^(st) vector representing a movement of a 1^(st) finger and a 2^(nd)vector denoting a movement of a 2^(nd) finger, a sum of a spatial (ortemporal) length of a movement of a 1^(st) finger and another spatial(or temporal) length of a movement of a 2^(nd) finger, or the like.Other variations or combinations of such individual static or dynamicfeatures of the above movements may be incorporated into the directionalinput unit or terminal as well.

In another exemplary embodiment of this ninth exemplary aspect, adirectional input unit may acquire UI_(SEL) with conventional capacitivesensing techniques which are based upon capacitive coupling and whichcan detect and measure anything which is conductive or which has adielectric constant different from that of air. In general, prior artcapacitive sensors can detect a proximity, a position, a displacement oran acceleration and, therefore, such sensors have been incorporated intoprior art touch screens, track pads, or the like.

Currently available capacitive sensing techniques are, e.g., surfacecapacitance technology, and projected capacitive touch technology. Inthe surface capacitance technology, a sensor includes an insulator onlyone side of which is coated with a conductive material. Upon applying asmall electrical voltage to such a material, a uniform electrostaticfield is developed. Due to a sheet resistance of the surface, eachcorner has a different effective capacitance. Thereafter, when aconductor (e.g., a finger of a user or a conductive tip of a non-userobject) touches an uncoated surface, a capacitor is dynamically formedon such a surface. A controller of a sensor can then determine alocation of a touch, indirectly from a change in capacitance as measuredfrom the four corners of the sensor; the larger the change incapacitance, the closer the touch is to that corner.

A projected capacitance technology or PCT (i.e., projected capacitivetouch technology) is also a capacitive technology which allows moreaccurate and flexible operation, e.g., by etching at least oneconductive layer. For example, an X-Y grid is formed either by etchingone layer to form a grid pattern of electrodes or etching two separate,parallel layers of a conductive material with perpendicular lines ortracks so as to form the grid, where this configuration is comparable toa pixel grid commonly found in conventional LCD (i.e., liquid crystaldisplays. A greater resolution of PCT allows a user to operate evenwithout any direct contact or touch by a user such that the conductinglayers can be coated with further protective insulating layers andoperate even under screen protectors, or behind weather and vandal-proofglass. Because a top layer of a PCT is a glass, PCT can be a more robustsolution compared with a conventional resistive touch technology.Depending on its implementation, an active or passive stylus can be usedinstead of or in addition to a finger.

The PCT (i.e., projected capacitive touch technology) is also classifiedinto a mutual-capacitance technology and a self-capacitance technology.A sensor of mutual capacitance technology includes a capacitor at eachintersection of each row and each column. For example, a 12-by-16 arraywould have 192 capacitors each independent of the others. When anelectrical voltage is applied to such rows or columns, bringing a fingeror a tip of a stylus near a surface of a sensor changes a local electricfield which reduces a mutual capacitance. The change in capacitance atevery individual point on the grid can be measured to accuratelydetermine a location of a touch or contact, by measuring a voltage inanother axis. Thus, mutual-capacitance technology allows multi-touchoperation where multiple fingers, palms or styli can be accuratelytracked at the same time. A sensor of self-capacitance technology canalso include the same X-Y grid as mutual-capacitance sensors, butcolumns and rows of the self-capacitance sensor may operateindependently. With self-capacitance, an electrical current senses acapacitive load of a finger on each column or row. This produces astronger signal than mutual-capacitance sensor, but it is unable toresolve accurately more than one finger, which results in “ghosting” ormisplaced location sensing.

In another exemplary embodiment of the ninth exemplary aspect, adirectional input unit can acquire a single UI_(SEL) or multipleUI_(SEL)'s from a “multi-touch” (or “multi-touch gesture”) by a singleor multiple user body parts, by a single or multiple non-user objects,by a combination of a user body part and a non-user object, or the like.In general, a multi-touch arrangement relates to monitoring multiplepoints of contacts (or touch points) between multiple portions of adirectional input unit and multiple user body parts, between suchportions of a directional input unit and multiple non-user objects,their combinations, or the like. Because the multi-touch arrangementenables a terminal to pre-define multi-touches and to match each of suchmulti-touches with at least one UI_(SEL), pre-selected operation, orcontrol signal, a user can generate more multi-touches with only alimited number of body parts (or non-user objects), thereby expanding ascope of seamless operations which can be offered to a user by aterminal. For example, a user may move an index finger and a middlefinger (or a thumb) together in certain patterns to represent a certainUI_(SEL). In another example, a user may move two fingers, where a1^(st) movement of a 1^(st) finger denotes a 1^(st) UI_(SEL) for runninga certain pre-selected operation, while a 2^(nd) movement of a 2^(nd)finger represents a 2^(nd) UI_(SEL) for obtaining a certain accessauthority in order to advance to a certain mode of operation. In anotherexample, a user may move two fingers, where a terminal obtains a sum ofa 1^(st) vector movement of a 1^(st) finger and a 2^(nd) vector movementof a 2^(nd) finger. In another example, a user may move two fingers,where a 1^(st) movement of a 1^(st) finger denotes a 1^(st) UI_(SEL) forrunning a 1^(st) pre-selected operation, whereas a 2^(nd) movement of a2^(nd) finger denotes a 2^(nd) UI_(SEL) for running a 2^(nd)pre-selected operation concurrently with (or sequentially after) runningthe 1^(st) pre-selected operation.

Various conventional hardware and software elements are available toembody this multi-touch arrangement, where examples of such elements cancommonly be found in various prior art touch screen-type input unit of asmart phones, track pads, or the like. It is appreciated, as used in therelated industry, that a “multi-touch” arrangement includes not onlysuch technology for detecting multiple touches points or points ofcontacts as described above but also another prior art technology calleda “gesture-enhanced single-touch” arrangement.

In another exemplary embodiment of the ninth exemplary aspect, adirectional input unit can acquire a single UI_(SEL) or multipleUI_(SEL)'s from the above point of contact (or a touch point) or abovemulti-touch using different technologies. For example, a directionalinput unit can acquire such UI_(SEL) (or multiple UI_(SEL)'s) frompressure-sensitive sensors which may be formed as a coating which flexesdifferently depending on how firmly it may be pressed. A directionalinput unit may instead employ resistive technologies for acquiringUI_(SEL) (or multiple UI_(SEL)'s) from the above point of contact (or atouch point) or multi-touch, where such resistive technologies mayinclude analog resistive technologies, digital resistive technologies,or in-cell resistive technologies. In addition, a directional input unitmay employ optical touch technologies for acquiring UI_(SEL) (ormultiple UI_(SEL)'s) from the above point of contact (or a touch point)or multi-touch, where such optical touch technologies may function whena finger (or a non-user object) contacts or touches a surface, causing alight to scatter, such a reflection may be caught with a sensor or acamera which sends data to a software element which dictates a responseto such a contact (or a touch), depending upon the type of reflectionmeasured. Such optical touch technologies may include, e.g., opticalimaging technology, infrared technology, rear diffused illumination (DI)technology, infrared grid technology, digital waveguide touch (DWT)technology, infrared optical waveguide technology, diffused surfaceillumination (DSI) technology, laser light plane (LLP) technology,in-cell optical technology, frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR)technology, or the like.

Various capacitive sensing techniques have been used in such touchscreen-type input units, touch-pads, or other touch- or contact-basedinput units for the past few decades, with their resolution everimproving year after year. In addition, the resistive or optical sensingtechniques have also been successfully used in the art. Because thereare ample references how conventional techniques work, how toincorporate such techniques into conventional input units, and how todesign hardware and software elements of such conventional input units,such prior art capacitive, resistive or optical sensing techniques canbe readily incorporated to various directional input units and variousterminals including such directional input units as describedhereinabove.

One example is an article which is entitled “How to design capacitivetouch and proximity sensing technology into your Application,” which iswritten by Mike Salas and Andres Marcos at Silicon Laboratories Inc.,Austin, Tex., USA, which provides technical details of such capacitivesensing techniques, overviews of other sensing techniques, comparisonsof different techniques, and the pros and cons of each technique, andwhich can be obtained inhttp://www.low-powerdesiqn.com/PDF/How-to-Design-Capacitive-Touch-and-Proximity-Sensing-Technology-into-Your-Application.pdf.Another one is an article which is entitled “Multi-touch Technologies,”which is written by Gennadi Blindmann at Impressum, Munich, Germany,which provides technical details on such capacitive, resistive, optical,wave, and force-based sensing techniques, and which can be obtained inhttp://www.multi-touch-solution.com/en/knowledge-base-en/. Therefore,more configurational and operational details of hardware and softwareaspects of various directional input units incorporating such techniquesare omitted herein, for such details are well within a capability of oneof ordinary skill in the relevant art.

It is appreciated that various terminals provided throughout thisdisclosure may adopt any of such capacitive, resistive, optical, wave,and force-based sensing techniques to acquire a single UI_(SEL) ormultiple UI_(SEL)'s, or to acquire at least one static or dynamicfeature associated with a user input or UI_(SEL), from the above singletouch or multi-touch by a user or by a non-user object. For example, adirectional input unit may first sense a contact (or a touch) with auser (or a non-user object) and may then track changes in positions ofthe contact (or a touch) so that such an input unit may receive a userinput or acquire UI_(SEL) or one of such features from a position of thefirst contact, from such a path, or the like. In another example, adirectional input unit may sense a position of a 1^(st) contact (or atouch) at which a user makes the 1^(st) contact (or touch) with adirectional input unit and may also sense a position of a last contact(or a touch) at which a user detaches a body part (or a non-user object)from such an input unit, so that such an input unit may receive a userinput or acquire UI_(SEL) or one of such features from the position ofthe 1^(st) contact, another position of the last contact, a vector whichconnects the 1^(st) point of contact to the last point of contact (orvice versa), or various static or dynamic features of such a vector. Inanother example, a directional input unit may instead sense only one ofsuch 1^(st) and last points of contact and then receive a user input oracquire UI_(SEL) or one of such features as described above.

12-8. Details of Type-4 Directional Input Units

As described above, one of the objectives of various mobilecommunication terminals of this disclosure is to receive a single userinput (or multiple concurrent user inputs) and to acquire therefrom atleast one (user) sub-input which includes UI_(SEL), where a user inputcorresponds to electromagnetic or acoustic waves which may be irradiatedby a user or by a device worn by a user (e.g., a wearable device). Adirectional input unit (or a terminal) may then receive such waves as asingle user input (or multiple concurrent user inputs), may acquiremultiple (user) sub-inputs therefrom, and may then run variousoperations designated to such (user) sub-inputs as described above andbelow.

In another exemplary embodiment of this ninth exemplary aspect, adirectional input unit may further acquire UI_(SEL) from visible lightrays which may carry various images such as, e.g., [1] an image of acertain body part of a user, [2] an image of a user (e.g., multiple userbody parts or at least a substantial portion of a body of a user), [3]an image of a contacting non-user object, [4] an image of anon-contacting object, [5] an image of an environment or background, [6]a shape, a size, a color, a hue, a contrast, an arrangement ororientation of at least one of [1] to [5] of this paragraph, [7]multiple images of at least two of [1] to [5] of this paragraph, [8]multiple images representing movements of a user body part, a user, or anon-user object, or the like. A terminal may readily obtain such imagesfrom a conventional input unit such as, e.g., a camera of a terminal oranother image acquisition sensor. When desirable, a directional inputunit may acquire UI_(SEL) from infrared images or ultraviolet images,where such images may be obtained by implementing conventional infraredor ultraviolet sensors into a terminal. Because such images may beacquired by various input units of a terminal, it is noted that either adirectional input unit or another input unit of a terminal may receive auser input in a form of such images and may acquire UI_(SEL) from suchimages.

For the above embodiment, a terminal may recruit various conventionalimage (or imaging) sensors capable of detecting and conveyinginformation that constitutes an image, e.g., by converting variableattenuation of visible light rays (as such rays pass through or reflectoff such a user, a user body part or a non-user objects) into signalssuch as small bursts of current which convey the information. Such imagesensors may be used in an analog type or in a digital type, examples ofwhich have been used in prior art digital cameras, camera modules,medical imaging equipment, or the like. More particularly, such imagesensors generally employ CMOS sensors, for such sensors may performbetter than prior art CCDs, can be readily incorporated into anintegrated circuit, can help reduce costs, or the like, although CCD maystill be used when a price matters.

In general, a CCD image sensor is an analog device. For example, whenvisible light rays strike the sensor, it is held as a small electricalcharge in each photo sensor. Such charges in a line of pixels which arenearest to one or more output amplifiers are amplified and output, theneach line of pixels shifts its charges one line closer to anamplifier(s), thereby filling an empty line closest to such amplifiers.Such processes may then be repeated until all lines of pixels have theelectrical charges amplified. To the contrary, a CMOS image sensor mayinclude an amplifier for each pixel, compared to the few amplifiers of aCCD. This configuration requires a less area for capturing photons thana CCD, but such a problem has been overcome by employing in front ofeach photodiode micro-lenses which focus light rays into the photodiodewhich would have otherwise hit an amplifier and not be detected. SomeCMOS image sensors also use Back-side illumination to increase a numberof photons which hit the photodiode.

An image sensor may include a hybrid CCD/CMOS (e.g., sold as “sCMOS”)with a CMOS readout integrated circuits (ROICs) which are bump-bonded toa CCD imaging substrate, a technology which was developed for infraredstaring arrays and now adapted to silicon-based detector technology. Inanother variation, an image sensor may use very fine dimensionsavailable in the CMOS technology which are also implemented into aCCD-like structure in a prior art CMOS technology, which can betypically obtained by separating individual poly-silicon gates by verysmall gaps.

Regardless of their operational mechanisms, such image sensors typicallyinclude various color-separation mechanisms. One example is a low-costand most common Bayer filter which uses a color filter array whichpasses red, green, or blue light rays to selected pixel sensors, therebyforming interlaced grids sensitive to each of such red, green, and bluelight rays, where missing color samples may be interpolated by a priorart demosaicing algorithm. Such a sensor incorporated with a Bayerfilter may include back-illuminated sensors, where light rays enters asensitive silicon on the opposite side of where such transistors andmetal wires are provided so that metal connections on a devices side arenot an obstacle for the light rays. Another example of an image sensoris a Foveon X3 sensor which uses an array of layered pixel sensors,thereby separating light rays based on inherent wavelength-dependentabsorption properties of silicon, and thereby sensing all three-colorchannels in each location. In another example, an image sensor mayinclude a 3CCD which uses three discrete image sensing elements, withits color separation performed by a dichroic prism.

In another exemplary embodiment of this ninth exemplary aspect, adirectional input unit may acquire UI_(SEL) from other electromagneticwaves such as, e.g., infrared rays, ultraviolet rays, microwaves orradio waves, where such waves also carry information as to UI_(SEL) aswell. To this end, a terminal may include a prior art sensor forreceiving such infrared rays, ultraviolet rays, microwaves or radiowaves, where a conventional receiver implemented into a terminal forcommunication purposes may be utilized for receiving radio waves. It isappreciated that such sensors or receivers may be implemented into adirectional input unit or another input unit of a terminal.

Various electromagnetic waves such as, e.g., infrared rays, ultravioletrays, microwaves or radio waves, may include therein or accompanytherewith various information from which a terminal, its directionalinput unit or another non-directional input unit may acquire UI_(SEL).In one example, such electromagnetic (EM) waves may carry certaininformation or contents which may designate a certain UI_(SEL).Therefore, a terminal may receive a user input provided as an image(s)of a user, a user body part, a non-user contacting object or a non-usernon-contacting object, where such an image(s) is obtained by a prior artinfrared camera, ultraviolet camera, radio wave camera (or receiver), orthe like. Accordingly, examples of such images may include a thermalimage taken by a prior art thermal image devices or a night visionequipment, a radar image taken by a prior art radar equipment, or thelike. In another example, the EM waves may have a certain wave featurefrom which a terminal acquires a certain UI_(SEL), where examples ofsuch wave features may be, e.g., an amplitude, a wavelength, afrequency, a phase angle, a phase lag, a duration, or the like.

Such electromagnetic-wave (i.e., EM-wave) user inputs may also beprovided to a terminal, to its directional input unit or to itsnon-directional input unit by a user in different ways. In one example,such a user may take a picture of his or her body, his or her body part,or non-user object using an IR (i.e., infrared) camera, a UV (i.e.,ultraviolet) camera, or a radar equipment, where a terminal may acquireUI_(SEL) from such pictures taken under various light waves.

In another example, a user may provide a terminal with the EM waveswhich may not carry any of the above pictures or images but whichinclude at least one of such wave features. In one case, a user may emitsuch EM waves to a terminal using a customized wave generator, wheresuch a generator may be included into a “wave-emitting non-user object”(e.g., a stylus or a wearable device), may be provided as an articlewhich is separate from a directional input unit, from a terminal, or thelike. It is appreciated that such wave-emitting object may be configuredto emit certain EM waves having a certain wave feature, may besynchronized with a user such that a motion or a gesture of a user mayemit certain EM waves of different wave features, or the like.Accordingly, when a user makes a certain gesture representing a 1^(st)UI_(SEL), a wave-emitting object may emit EM waves with a 1^(st)frequency, while the object may emit EM waves with a different 2^(nd)frequency when a user makes a 2^(nd) different gesture representing a2^(nd) UI_(SEL). Alternatively, a wave-emitting object may emit EM waveswith different amplitudes based on various factors such as, e.g., a timeof a day, a location of a user, or other user preferences. Of course,such examples require synchronization between such wearable devices anda terminal.

In order to acquire UI_(SEL) from one of the above images obtained bysuch prior art images sensors or by such EM sensors (those sensor forreceiving such infrared rays, ultraviolet rays, microwaves, radio waves,or the like), a terminal may analyze such images by extractingmeaningful information about UI_(SEL) from the images, mainly fromdigital images by means of various conventional digital image processingtechniques. The image processing can be as simple as reading bar codedtags or as sophisticated as identifying a user or his or her body partfrom such images. Thus, a moderate to heavy digital analysis may berequired for such analysis of large amounts of data which typicallyrequires complex computation or extraction of quantitative information.

In another exemplary embodiment of this ninth exemplary aspect, adirectional input unit may acquire UI_(SEL) from acoustic waves such as,e.g., audible sound waves, inaudible sound waves, or the like, wheresuch waves carry information as to UI_(SEL) as well. To this end, aterminal may include a prior art sensor capable of receiving suchacoustic waves, where a conventional microphone or receiver implementedinto a terminal for communication purposes may be utilized for receivingaudible sound waves. It is noted that such receivers or microphones maybe implemented into a directional input unit or another input unit of aterminal. Accordingly, examples of such waves may include a simplesound, a sonar image obtained from a sonar equipment, or the like.

Such audible or inaudible acoustic waves (or acoustic user inputs) maycarry certain sounds therewith each of which represents a certainUI_(SEL), where examples of such sounds may include, e.g., a sound of auser, a sound generated by a user body part, a sound made by an object,a sound from an environment, or a sound made by a terminal. Suchacoustic user inputs may also be provided to a terminal, its directionalinput unit or its non-directional input unit by a user in various ways.In one example, a user may talk to a terminal, where a terminal acquiresUI_(SEL) therefrom. In another example, a user may provide a terminalwith such acoustic waves including one of the above wave featuresdescribed in conjunction with the wave features of the EM waves. A usermay emit such acoustic waves to such a terminal with a customizedacoustic wave generator, where such a generator may be similarlyincorporated into the “wave-emitting non-user object” as described inconjunction with the EM wave user inputs.

It is appreciated that various prior art sensors described in thissub-section have been in use for more than a few decades and manyelectric equipment including such mobile communication terminalsincorporate such sensors. Therefore, detailed mechanism and operationalprocedures for such sensors are omitted herein, for such falls within acapacity of one of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

12-9. Selecting (User) Sub-Inputs and Running Pre-Selected Operations

As has been enumerated hereinabove, one of many objectives of variousmobile communication terminals of this disclosure is to provide such aterminal with a single user input (or multiple concurrent user inputs)when the terminal was (or has been) in its off-state, where the userinput accompanies therewith (or includes therein) at least one UI_(SEL)which may be related to a direction of such a user input. As a result,once powering on, waking up, or switching modes, such a terminal runs atleast one pre-selected operation.

It is appreciated, however, that UI_(SEL) does not always have to berelated to a direction of the user input. That is, a user input mayinclude UI_(SEL) which may not be related to a direction of the userinput. Therefore, as long as the terminal includes a directional inputunit capable of seamlessly acquiring UI_(SEL) from a single user input(or multiple concurrent user inputs), the terminal may then run apre-selected operation which is matched to such UI_(SEL), once or(immediately) after a terminal powers on, wakes up, or switches modes.As a result, a user of such a terminal can seamlessly run at least onepre-selected operation, simply by providing a single user input (ormultiple concurrent user inputs) which includes such UI_(SEL) therein.

Therefore and in another exemplary embodiment of this ninth exemplaryaspect, a terminal can acquire UI_(SEL) from a single user input (ormultiple concurrent user inputs) and run at least one pre-selectedoperation once it powers on, wakes up, or switches modes, with orwithout running an authentication operation or with or without turningon a display unit, [1] concurrently with receiving a user input or [2]concurrently with acquiring UI_(SEL). Thus, a terminal of thisdisclosure runs at least one pre-selected operation seamlessly oncepowering on, waking up, or switching modes, [1] whether or not aterminal turns on a display unit concurrently with receiving a singleuser input (or multiple concurrent user inputs) or acquiring UI_(SEL),[2] whether or not a terminal runs at least one authentication operationconcurrently with receiving a single user input (or multiple concurrentuser inputs) or concurrently with acquiring UI_(SEL), or the like.

In other words, turning on a display unit or running an authenticationoperation [1] concurrently with receiving a single user input (ormultiple concurrent user inputs) or [2] concurrently with acquiringUI_(SEL) therefrom may not be a default option of such a terminal.However, when a user wants a terminal to turn on a display unit or torun at least one authentication operation concurrently with receiving asingle user input (or acquiring UI_(SEL) therefrom), a user is requiredto include UI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN) in such a user input, separately fromUI_(SEL). Otherwise, such a terminal can turn on its display unit or runan authentication operation only after a terminal receives the userinput or acquires UI_(SEL) therefrom.

As described above, however, a terminal may turn on its display unit orrun an authentication operation even when a terminal receives a singleuser input (or multiple concurrent user inputs) and acquires UI_(SEL)from the user input but when the terminal does not acquire a separateUI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN) from the user input (or when the user does notincorporate any UI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN) in such a user input).

One example is when a user provides a “simplified user input” to aterminal, where a smaller number of (user) sub-inputs may render aterminal run a greater number of operations while or (immediately) afterpowering on, waking up, or switching modes, when such turning on orauthenticating is conditioned [1] upon each other, or [2] upon acquiringUI_(SEL). Accordingly, even when a user includes only a single (user)sub-input (e.g., UI_(SEL)) in a single user input, a terminal may turnon its display unit or may run an authentication operation, withoutacquiring UI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN).

Another example is when a terminal is specifically configured to turn onits display unit whenever it receives a user input, where such aterminal may display a lock screen before authenticating a current userbut may display a home screen once a current user is authenticated. Inthis case, simply including UI_(SEL) but not UI_(ACT) in a single userinput (or multiple concurrent user inputs) is enough to turn on adisplay unit concurrently with providing the user input. Another exampleis when a terminal is specifically configured to authenticate a userbefore switching to its active state (i.e., a state in which a displayunit is turned on), e.g., when a designated portion of a directionalinput unit is designated not only to acquire UI_(SEL) but also UI_(ACT)concurrently with each other. Therefore, even when a user tries tosupply only a single (user) sub-input such as UI_(SEL) but not UI_(THEN)in a single user input, a terminal receives the user input whileconcurrently acquiring UI_(SEL) and UI_(THEN).

In other words, various directional input units enumerated in thisdisclosure or various mobile communication terminals incorporating suchdirectional input units can acquire UI_(SEL) which is accompanied by (orincluded in) a single user input (or in multiple concurrent userinputs). Therefore, a mobile communication terminal which mayincorporate at least one of such directional input units illustratedthis disclosure can run at least one pre-selected operation which isselected from a set of multiple pre-selected operations and whichmatches UI_(SEL), after powering on, waking up, or switching modes,thereby offering the user with a benefit of running more operationsseamlessly.

As described above, an operation of turning on a display unit is not tobe deemed as one of multiple pre-selected operations, particularly whensuch turning on relates to turning on such a display unit concurrentlywith receiving a single (or multiple concurrent) user input(s) orconcurrently with acquiring UI_(SEL) therefrom, when the user input(s)is provided to a terminal while its display unit was (or has been)turned off (i.e., in its off-state). It is similarly appreciated that anauthentication operation is neither to be deemed as one of such multiplepre-selected operations, particularly when such an authenticationoperation relates to running an authentication operation concurrentlywith receiving a single (or multiple concurrent) user input(s) orconcurrently with acquiring UI_(SEL) therefrom, when a user input(s) isprovided to a terminal while its display unit was (or has been) turnedoff (i.e., in its off-state).

To the contrary, a turning on operation or an authentication operationmay be deemed as one of multiple pre-selected operations when such aturning on operation is to be run when or immediately after a terminalpowers on, wakes up, or switches modes, and then turns its display unitoff. In such a case, rendering a terminal to turn on, to turn off, andthen to turn on its display unit again can be deemed as one of suchmultiple pre-selected operations. Similarly, when a terminal runs a1^(st) authentication operation while or (immediately) after a terminalpowers on, wakes up, or switches modes, such a terminal may run a 2^(nd)authentication operation, where such a 2^(nd) authentication operationis then deemed as one of such multiple pre-selected operations.

Similarly and in another exemplary embodiment of this ninth exemplaryaspect, such a terminal can receive a single user input (or multipleconcurrent user inputs) and can acquire therefrom [1] a single (user)sub-input, UI_(SEL), [2] two (user) sub-inputs where one of the (user)sub-inputs is UI_(SEL), [3] three (user) sub-inputs where one of the(user) sub-inputs is UI_(SEL), or the like. Therefore, whenever aterminal may receive a single user input (or multiple concurrent userinputs), the terminal runs at least one pre-selected operation once itpowers on, wakes up, or switches modes, whether or not a terminal turnson its display unit concurrently with such receiving a user input(s) (oracquiring UI_(SEL)), or whether or not a terminal runs an authenticationoperation concurrently with such receiving a user input(s) (or acquiringUI_(SEL)).

12-10. Further Seamless Operations

In another exemplary embodiment of this ninth exemplary aspect, aterminal may provide a user with further seamless operations. Asdescribed above, various terminals of this disclosure allow a user torun a selected operation when the terminal switches to its active statefrom its off-state, along with running at least one of an authenticationoperation for authenticating a user and an activation of turning on adisplay unit, all in response to a single user input. Such terminals mayalso allow a user to continue with the selected operation, still inresponse to the single user input.

For example, when a user provides UI_(SEL) designated to running anemail operation, a terminal may turn on its display unit andauthenticate the user, and also run an email operation. As such a usercontinues to press, to push, to contact, to touch or to otherwisemanipulate a directional input unit, a terminal displays a result ofrunning the email operation such as, e.g., displaying an inbox of theemail account of the user. The user may then move his or her body partor a non-user object in order to navigate through a variety of optionsoffered by the email operation, e.g., opening a new incoming email,writing a new email, switching to a new directory, viewing a list ofsent emails, or the like.

In another example, when a user provides UI_(SEL) designated to runninga camera operation, a terminal may turn on its display unit andauthenticate the user, and also run the camera operation. As a usercontinues to press, to push, to contact, to touch or to otherwisemanipulate a directional input unit, a terminal displays a result ofrunning the camera operation such as, e.g., displaying a viewfinder totake a picture or record a video clip. The user may then move his or herbody part or a non-user object in order to navigate through variousoptions offered by such an operation, e.g., zooming in or out, selectingbetween a camera mode or a video mode, adjusting other setting of thecamera operation, or the like.

In another exemplary embodiment of this ninth exemplary aspect, aterminal may provide a user with similar seamless operations but in amanner different from those exemplified in the preceding embodiment. Inone example, when a user fails the authenticating, a terminal may allowthe user to provide a new user input or a new (user) sub-input, as longas he or she continues to press, to contact, to touch or to otherwisemanipulate a directional input unit. The terminal may then receive a newuser input or acquire a new (user) sub-input. To this end, the terminalmay recruit a notice unit and inform a user about the failure of suchuser authenticating.

12-11. Miscellaneous

As described above, the “selection failure” happens when a terminalreceives a user input which, however, does not include a correctUI_(SEL), when a terminal fails to acquire any UI_(SEL) or to acquire acorrect UI_(SEL), or when a terminal receives a certain UI_(SEL) whichturns out to be an invalid UI_(SEL). In such a case, a terminal [1] maykeep a display unit turned off when the display unit was (or has been)turned off, [2] may turn off a display unit when the display unit is (orhas been) turned on, [3] may turn a display unit on in a lock mode whenthe display unit was (or has been) turned off, [4] may maintain adisplay unit turned on but stay in a lock mode when the display unit is(or has been) turned on and when the terminal is (or has been) in a lockmode, or [5] may keep a display unit turned on but also switch itself toa lock mode when a display unit is (or has been) turned on and when aterminal is (or has been) in an unlock mode.

However, on certain circumstances, a user may desire to power on or wakeup a terminal, while not wanting to run any pre-selected operation whenor (immediately) after the terminal powers on, wakes up, or switchesmodes. Such circumstances may occur, e.g., when a user just intends toconfirm a status of various operations of which icons are displayed on ahome screen, when a user is not sure which UI_(SEL) a user has toprovide in order to run a certain pre-selected operation, or the like.In these cases, a terminal may offer a user a few different options.

In another exemplary embodiment of this ninth exemplary aspect, when auser provides a single user input (or multiple concurrent user inputs)to a terminal but does not include therein any specific UI_(SEL) becausethe user does not want a terminal to run any of such multiplepre-selected operations after powering on, waking up, or switchingmodes, a terminal may respond in different ways. In one example, aterminal may do nothing and keep its display unit turned off. In anotherexample, a terminal may turn on its display unit, and display a lockscreen regardless of whether a user passes or fails an authenticationoperation. Alternatively, a terminal may turn on a display unit and thendisplay an unlock screen when a user passes such authenticating.Accordingly, a user may navigate through a home screen and run anyoperation he or she desires. In another example, a terminal may turn itsdisplay unit on when a user passes the authenticating, and display ahome screen, where such a home screen may only display icons of thoseoperations which do not belong to the set of multiple pre-selectedoperations. By doing so, a user may readily locate such icons of thoseoperations which have not been included in the set of multiplepre-selected operations.

In another example of the same embodiment, a terminal may allocate oneof multiple UI_(SEL)'s as “undecided” or “unselected” so that, when aterminal receives a single user input (or multiple concurrent userinputs) and acquires such UI_(SEL), a terminal recognizes that a userdoes not want to run any of such multiple pre-selected operations. Insuch a case a terminal may turn on its display unit, may run anauthentication operation, or the like, and then display a lock screen ora home screen accordingly, without running any of such multiplepre-selected operations after powering on, waking up, or switchingmodes. Alternatively, a terminal may turn on its display unit anddisplay icons of only those operations which do not belong to the set ofmultiple pre-selected operations, whereby a user may readily locate suchicons of those operations which have not been included in the set ofmultiple pre-selected operations.

In another exemplary embodiment of this ninth exemplary aspect, aterminal may define multiple sets of pre-selected operations, where aterminal runs each set of multiple sets of such pre-selected operationsin each of multiple modes of operations. In one example, a terminal maydefine three sets of pre-selected operations, where a terminal is to runeach operation of a 1^(st) set of multiple pre-selected operations onlyin a lock mode (of operation), where a terminal is to run each operationof a 2^(nd) set of multiple pre-selected operations only in anintermediate mode (of operation), where a terminal is to run eachoperation of a 3^(rd) set of multiple pre-selected operations only in anunlock mode (of operation), or the like.

It is noted that at least two of such sets of multiple pre-selectedoperations may include different numbers of pre-selected operations,that at least two of such sets of multiple pre-selected operations maybe granted with different access authorities, that at least oneoperation may be included in at least two sets of such pre-selectedoperations but may be granted with different access authorities, withdifferent number or extent of operational options, or the like. A usermay desire to run a certain pre-selected operation in a lock mode or anintermediate mode when he or she is surrounded by strangers. In anotherexample, a user may desire to run a pre-selected operation in a certainmode of operation but not in other modes of operations.

Such an arrangement offers a user with a greater flexibility in that auser may not only determine a suitable mode of operation but also adjustan access authority in running a certain pre-selected operation.Therefore, such a terminal may provide a user with a heightenedsecurity. In addition, such an arrangement may further provide a userwith an enhanced safety and privacy when a terminal may block a userfrom accessing one or more hardware or software elements of a terminalin different modes of operation. For example, when a user operates aterminal in a lock mode, a terminal may block a user from accessing acertain portion of a storage member of a terminal, from driving acertain hardware element thereof, or from executing a certain softwareelement thereof. In addition, such an arrangement offers a user withanother seamless operation such that a user may operate a terminal whileswitching from one mode of operation to another, without having to turnoff its display unit or otherwise interrupting a normal operation of theterminal.

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It is appreciated in the above embodiment that such a terminal requiresat least two UI_(SEL)'s, where a 1^(st) UI_(SEL) represents which modeof operation a terminal is to operate and from which set of pre-selectedoperations a terminal is to select at least one operation (which aterminal is to run after powering on, waking up, or switching modes, andwhere a 2^(nd) UI_(SEL) represents which operation from the selected1^(st), 2^(nd) or 3^(rd) set of multiple pre-selected operations aterminal is to run when or (immediately) after the terminal powers on,wakes up, or switches modes.

To this end, a user may include at least two UI_(SEL)'s in a single userinput (or multiple concurrent user inputs). For example, a user mayprovide multiple UI_(SEL)'s by creating two concurrent movements of asingle movable portion (or two movable portions) of a press-ID elementof a directional input unit, by creating two concurrent contacts betweenat least two user body parts and two different stationary portions of atouch-ID element of such an input unit, by generating one of suchmovements and one of such contacts, or the like.

In addition, a terminal may utilize various notice units for displayingsuch names or icons of different sets of multiple pre-selectedoperations in order to assist a user in selecting a correct pre-selectedoperation from a correct set of such pre-selected operation. Forexample, when a user provides such UI_(SEL)'s, a terminal may acquire a1^(st) UI_(SEL), locates which set of multiple pre-selected operationsmatches such 1^(st) UI_(SEL), and displays names or icons of multiplepre-selected operations belonging to such a set. When a user provides a2^(nd) UI_(SEL) after making a selection from such names or iconsdisplayed on multiple sub-screens of a notice unit (or on a displayunit), a terminal locates which operation such 2^(nd) UI_(SEL) matchesfrom the selected set, and then runs the pre-selected operation when or(immediately) after the terminal powers on, wakes up, or switches modes.

However, when a user provides a new 1^(st) UI_(SEL) (with or withoutproviding a 2^(nd) UI_(SEL)), a terminal then locates which set ofmultiple pre-selected operations matches such 1^(st) UI_(SEL), anddisplays names or icons of multiple pre-selected operations belonging tosuch a set. A terminal may repeat to display names or icons of differentsets of such pre-selected operations until a user confirms that acurrent 1^(st) UI_(SEL) is a correct selecting (user) sub-input.Thereafter, a terminal may run the pre-selected operation when or(immediately) after a terminal powers on, wakes up, or switches modes.

As enumerated above and in another exemplary embodiment of this ninthexemplary aspect, a terminal may run an operation of displaying anadvertisement or a content on a display unit such as, e.g., on a lockscreen, on a home screen, or on another default screen. A terminal maydo so in various arrangements.

In one example, a terminal may display an advertisement or contentwhenever a terminal may power on or wake up, and turn on its displayunit. Therefore, a terminal may display the advertisement or content ona lock, default or home screen, depending upon its operational sequence.In another example, a terminal may display an advertisement or contentwhenever a terminal displays a lock screen. Accordingly, a terminaltypically displays such an advertisement or content in a lock mode orintermediate mode, where a user may only view the advertisement orcontent, may sequentially provide an additional user input to manipulatethe advertisement or content for navigating therethrough, makingselections, accessing external links provided thereby, storing such anadvertisement or content or results obtained by such manipulations, orthe like. In another example, a terminal may display an advertisement orcontent whenever a terminal advances to an unlock mode. The terminal maythen switch to a home screen once a user provides an additional userinput or when a user is done with manipulating such an advertisement orcontent.

In yet another example, a terminal may include an operation ofdisplaying an advertisement or a content on a display unit as one ofsuch multiple pre-selected operations. To this end, a terminal matchesone of multiple UI_(SEL)'s with the operation of displaying theadvertisement or a content in a lock mode, an intermediate mode or in anunlock mode. Accordingly, upon acquiring such UI_(SEL), a terminal runsthe operation of displaying an advertisement or content after poweringon, waking up, or switching modes.

12-12. Interchangeability

Although the foregoing examples of this ninth exemplary aspect generallyrelate to various directional input units and mobile communicationterminals each of which includes one of such directional input units, itis to be understood that each of such examples equally applies toanother terminal which incorporates a different directional input unit.Accordingly, each embodiment of various exemplary press-ID elements maybe equally applied to a terminal which includes a touch-ID element,where a movable portion of the former element may generally correspondto a stationary portion of the latter element.

Configurational or operational variations (or modifications) of suchdirectional input units described in various examples of this ninthexemplary aspect may be interchangeable in such a way that certainfeatures of one example of this aspect may be applied to another exampleof this aspect. In addition, other configurational or operationalfeatures of various directional input units of this ninth exemplaryaspect, their variations or their modifications may apply to, may beincorporated into, may replace, may be replaced by or may be combinedwith corresponding features of other exemplary aspects or embodiments ofthis disclosure which have been described heretofore or which will bedescribed hereinafter, subject to a certain modification, addition,and/or omission, each of which may become apparent based on detailedcontext of this exemplary aspect or other exemplary aspects.

13. Directional Input Units and Directions Therefore

As explained above, a single user input (or multiple concurrent userinputs) applied by a user to a directional input unit of this disclosurecarries therein (or accompanies therewith) at least one selecting (user)sub-input. Accordingly, when a terminal receives the single user input(or multiple concurrent user inputs) in its off-state, the terminalacquires the selecting (user) sub-input from the single user input (ormultiple concurrent user inputs), and then runs at least one selectedoperation once (or after) the terminal switches to its active state (oradvances to a certain mode of operation).

With this configuration, however, a user may have to supply a terminalwith at least one more separate (user) sub-input for, e.g., turning on adisplay unit, authenticating a user, or the like. As a result, the usermay not be able to enjoy seamless operations which may have beenaccomplished with such a terminal.

Accordingly, one objective of various directional input units of thisdisclosure and various terminals including at least one of suchdirectional input units is to incorporate the selecting (user) sub-inputalong with as many other (user) sub-inputs as possible. As a result, byproviding a single user input, a user can turn on a display unit andalso run at least one selected operation when or (immediately) after theterminal powers on, wakes up, or switches modes. In addition, a user mayfurther run an authentication operation along with such an activationoperation as well.

To this end and in the tenth exemplary aspect of this disclosure,various directional input units are configured to acquire a selecting(user) sub-input along with other (user) sub-inputs from a single userinput (or multiple concurrent user inputs). Such directional input unitsare also configured to allow a user to easily differentiate a selecting(user) sub-input from other (user) sub-inputs and to distinctly providea selecting (user) sub-input. With this configuration, a user canreadily supply a terminal with his or her desired selecting (user)sub-input, along with multiple (user) sub-inputs.

Following embodiments provide further details with which a user candistinctly provide a terminal with at least one selecting (user)sub-input, while also assisting a terminal or its directional input unitto easily distinguish one (user) sub-input from another. In general,following embodiments focus upon a direction of a single user input (ormultiple concurrent user inputs), a direction of at least onesub-component thereof, or the like. It is appreciated that a terminal orits directional input unit can also distinguish one (user) sub-inputfrom another based on other static or dynamic features of the userinput(s) but that details of latter have been provided in greater detailhereinabove and are omitted in this section.

13-1. User-Centered Directions of Selecting (User) Sub-Inputs

In one exemplary embodiment of this tenth exemplary aspect, adirectional input unit may acquire a selecting (user) sub-inputprimarily based upon a 2-D or 3-D direction of at least one component ofa single user input. Upon sensing the direction (e.g., a 1^(st)direction), a terminal selects at least one pre-selected operation froma set of multiple pre-selected operations, where such a 1^(st) directionmatches at least one selecting (user) sub-input (UI_(SEL)) which in turnselects at least one pre-selected operation from the matching list basedon a 1-to-1, 1-to-n, m-to-1 or m-to-n matching as described above.

It is appreciated that the 1^(st) direction may be selected primarily onthe perspective of a user. In other words, a terminal assigns the 1^(st)direction in such a way that a user can conveniently provide a selecting(user) sub-input, while not confused with other (user) sub-inputs or notbeing hindered by providing another (user) sub-input. For example, whenthe 1^(st) direction assigned to a certain selecting (user) sub-input(UI_(SEL)) is horizontal or lateral, a 2^(nd) direction assigned toanother (user) sub-input (e.g., UI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN)) may be verticalor in any direction which the input unit can easily distinguish from the1^(st) direction or which a user can easily exercise or maneuver (orvice versa) his or her body part. Similarly, when a 2^(nd) directiondesignated to another (user) sub-input is curved (i.e., not straight),the 1^(st) direction assigned to a selecting (user) sub-input (UI_(SEL))may be straight (i.e., linear) (or vice versa).

Therefore and in one example, when a user presses a movable portion of apress-ID element, its directional input unit acquires UI_(ACT) from a2^(nd) direction of a movement of the movable portion (e.g., a movementwhich is vertical to a terminal), while such an input unit acquiresUI_(SEL) from a 1^(st) direction of a movement of such a movable portionwhich is parallel or lateral to a terminal. Accordingly, a user canreadily provide UI_(SEL) while being able to readily differentiate andto provide different (user) sub-inputs (e.g., UI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN)) indifferent directions, e.g., by manipulating an angle of a user inputforce applied to the input unit or to the terminal. A terminal may alsoacquire UI_(THEN) from a contact (or a touch) formed between the movableportion and a user body part, where UI_(SEL) may only need contacting(or touching) the movable portion but may not require any movement ofthe movable portion in a direction which may be vertical to theterminal. Therefore, a user can easily incorporate three different(user) sub-inputs in the single user input (or multiple concurrent userinputs), because one is a simple contact or a touch (i.e., UI_(THEN))with the portion of the directional input unit, another is a verticalmovement (i.e., UI_(ACT)) of the portion, whereas the last is a simplesliding or lateral movement (UI_(SEL)) of the portion.

It is noted that a user may first contact and then press (or otherwisemove) a movable portion of a directional input unit with a user bodypart (or a non-user object) in a 2^(nd) direction, thereby deliveringUI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN) to the directional input unit. Thereafter, withoutdetaching the user body part (or non-user object) therefrom, the usermay continue to move the movable portion in a 1^(st) direction, therebydelivering UI_(SEL) to the input unit. As described above, this userinput is qualified as a single user input, for a user supplies not onlyUI_(SEL) but also provides UI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN) while maintaining thecontact (or touch) between at least a portion of the directional inputunit and a user body part (or a non-user object). In addition, such a1^(st) direction is different from the 2^(nd) direction and readilydistinguishable from the 2nd direction so that, e.g., the 1^(st)direction may be transverse (e.g., angled) or perpendicular to the2^(nd) direction. When a terminal may condition turning on the displayunit upon authenticating a user, the input unit may not have to acquireUI_(ACT), for the terminal turns on the display unit when the userpasses the authenticating, while the terminal keeps the display unitturned off (at least for a certain period of time) when the user failsthe authentication.

In the alternative, a user may move the movable portion in the 2^(nd)direction concurrently with moving such a movable portion in the 1^(st)direction as well. The user may readily move the movable portion in bothof the 1^(st) and 2^(nd) directions, e.g., by moving the movable portionwith a user input force applied to a top surface of the input unit at anangle such as, e.g., 30°, 45°, or the like. Then, a vertical componentof the user input force presses the movable portion in the 2^(nd)vertical direction, while a horizontal component of the user input forcetranslates the same portion in the 1^(st) lateral direction. Whenfeasible, a user may also first move the movable portion in the 1^(st)direction and then move such a portion in the 2^(nd) direction. In otherwords, as long as a user may provide a single user input which includestherein UI_(SEL) as well as at least one another (user) sub-input,detailed timing of providing such (user) sub-inputs to a terminal (orits directional input unit) is not material within the scope of variousterminals exemplified in this disclosure.

It is appreciated that a terminal may provide a notice signal to a userafter a user provided UI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN) (or UI_(SEL)) but before heor she provides UI_(SEL) (or UI_(ACT), UI_(THEN), or the like).Accordingly, when a user confirms that he or she has provided properUI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN) (or UI_(SEL)), a user may proceed to provideUI_(SEL) (or UI_(ACT), UI_(THEN), or the like). When a user finds thathe or she has made a mistake, he or she may then rectify such an errorbefore the user provides UI_(SEL) (or UI_(ACT), UI_(THEN), or the like).

Alternatively, a terminal may block or deter a movement of a directionalinput unit before the terminal allows a user to provide another (user)sub-input or when the terminal finds an error in the (user) sub-inputwhich a user has provided. For example, when a terminal identifies thata user has moved the movable portion in a wrong direction or inundefined direction other than one of multiple 1^(st) directions (e.g.,providing an undefined or wrong UI_(SEL)), a terminal may block or detera further movement of the movable portion such that the user cannot movethe movable portion in the undefined or wrong directions. Accordingly, auser may readily learn that UI_(SEL) which he or she has provided iseither wrong or undefined. Based thereupon, a user may readily rectifyan error or may provide a new UI_(SEL). The same arrangement may also beapplied to UI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN) when a terminal is configured to firstacquire UI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN) from the 2^(nd) direction and then toacquire UI_(SEL) from the 1^(st) direction.

In another example, when a user contacts or touches a stationary portionof a touch-ID element, a directional input unit acquires UI_(ACT) from acontact or touch between a stationary portion and a user body part,while the input unit acquires UI_(SEL) from a movement of (or a changein) a position of a contact (or a touch). Because a contact (or a touch)is generally formed on or over the stationary portion of the touch-IDelement, the contact (or touch) may be viewed as being horizontal orlateral to the touch-ID element or to the directional input unit. Aterminal may acquire UI_(THEN) from the contact or touch as well.Therefore, a user can readily include three different (user) sub-inputsinto the single user input (or multiple concurrent user inputs), becauseone (user) sub-input is a simple contact (or a touch) (UI_(THEN)) withthe portion of the directional input unit, another is also a contact (ora touch) therewith (UI_(ACT)), whereas the last is the movement of auser body part (or a non-user object) (UI_(SEL)) which is readilydistinguishable from the other two (user) sub-inputs.

It is noted that a user may first contact or touch a stationary portionof a directional input unit with a body part of a user (or a non-userobject), thereby delivering UI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN) to such a directionalinput unit. Thereafter, without detaching a user body part (or anon-user object) therefrom, a user may move a user body part (or anon-user object) in the 1^(st) direction, thereby delivering UI_(SEL) tothe directional input unit. As described above, this user input is alsoqualified as the single user input as described above. Such a 1^(st)direction is generally different from the 2^(nd) direction such that,e.g., the former may be transverse (e.g., angled) or perpendicular tothe 2^(nd) direction. When a terminal conditions turning on the displayunit upon authenticating a user, such an input unit may not have toacquire UI_(ACT) at all, for a terminal turns on the display unit when auser passes the authenticating, while the terminal keeps the displayunit turned off (at least for a certain period of time) when the userfails the authentication.

It is appreciated that a terminal may provide a notice signal to a userafter a user provided UI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN) but before he or sheprovides UI_(SEL). Accordingly, when a user confirms that he or she hasprovided proper UI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN), the user may proceed to provideUI_(SEL). When a user finds that he or she has made a mistake, he or shemay rectify the error before the user provides UI_(SEL).

Alternatively, a user may move a user body part (or a non-user object)on, over or across a stationary portion of a directional input unit inthe 1^(st) direction for supplying UI_(SEL), concurrently withcontacting (or touching) the stationary portion for supplying UI_(ACT)or UI_(THEN). Because such contacting (or touching) does not accompanyany direction at all, a user may readily move a user body part (or anon-user object) in the 1^(st) direction, while maintaining a contact(or a touch) with the stationary portion of the input unit. Even whensuch an input unit may monitor a 2^(nd) direction of a user body part(or a non-user object) which comes into a contact (or a touch) with thestationary portion of the input unit for acquiring UI_(ACT) orUI_(THEN), the terminal may readily differentiate UI_(SEL) from UI_(ACT)or UI_(THEN) as long as the 1^(st) direction is defined distinctly ordifferently from the 2^(nd) direction as described above.

It is appreciated that a terminal may provide a notice signal to a userafter a user provided UI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN) (or UI_(SEL)) but before heor she provides UI_(SEL) (or UI_(ACT), UI_(THEN), or the like).Accordingly, when a user confirms that he or she has provided properUI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN) (or UI_(SEL)), a user may proceed to provideUI_(SEL) (or UI_(ACT), UI_(THEN), or the like). When a user finds thathe or she has made a mistake, he or she may then rectify such an errorbefore the user provides UI_(SEL) (or UI_(ACT), UI_(THEN), or the like).

Conversely to the above and in another example, when a user contacts (ortouches) a stationary portion of a touch-ID element with a user bodypart (or a non-user object) over such a portion and swipes his or herbody part (or object), a directional input unit may acquire UI_(ACT) orUI_(THEN) therefrom. This arrangement corresponds to a situation inwhich an authentication sensor acquires UI_(THEN) while a user swipes afinger on the sensor. In this arrangement, a directional input unit caneasily acquire UI_(SEL) from other static or dynamic features of theswiping (or translating) movement such as, e.g., a speed of the swipingmovement, a force applied to such a sensor during the swiping movement,a time to complete swiping the finger (i.e., a temporal duration of sucha movement), or the like. As long as a user can easily and distinctlymanipulate such a speed, a force or a time while swiping his or herfinger on the authentication sensor, a terminal may readily acquireUI_(SEL) as well as UI_(THEN) from the single user input.

In another example where a terminal employs a directional input unit ora non-directional input unit (such as, e.g., a camera or another imageacquisition device) to authenticate a user by scanning an iris or aretina of a user, a terminal may acquire UI_(SEL) in variousarrangements as well. In one case, such a camera may serve as adirectional input unit which acquires an image of the iris or retina toacquire UI_(THEN) therefrom and which also acquires UI_(SEL) from amovement of an iris or retina during or after running an iris or retinaauthentication operation. In another case, a non-directional input unitmay acquire UI_(THEN) from an image of an iris or a retina, while adirectional input unit acquires UI_(SEL) from a movement of a user bodypart (or a non-user object), from a direction associated with such amovement, or the like.

The above last two examples of this exemplary embodiment ascertains thatvarious directional input units of this disclosure can acquire UI_(SEL)based upon various static or dynamic features of a user body part orupon a movement of a user body part (or a non-user object) which may notbe directly related to a direction of a user input applied by acontacting user input. In addition, the last example ascertains that aterminal may employ not only a directional input unit but also anon-directional input unit in order to acquire UI_(SEL) along with other(user) sub-inputs such as, e.g., UI_(ACT) and UI_(THEN).

As explained in each of such examples, a terminal may assign, as it seesfit, the 1^(st) direction from which the terminal itself or itsdirectional input unit acquires UI_(SEL), as long as the 1^(st)direction is readily distinguishable from other directions assigned toother (user) sub-inputs (e.g., UI_(ACT), UI_(THEN), or the like), fromother static or dynamic features of other (user) sub-inputs, or thelike. Accordingly, the 1^(st) direction may be parallel (or lateral) [1]with a front surface or a rear surface, [2] with a top edge or a bottomedge of a terminal, [3] with a side edge thereof, or the like.

Conversely, the 1^(st) direction may instead be perpendicular or normalto at least one of such [1] to [3] of this paragraph, or may betransverse (or angled) thereto (e.g., neither parallel norperpendicular). In other words, the 1^(st) direction may beperpendicular or normal to a 2^(nd) direction assigned to UI_(ACT) orUI_(THEN), may be angled or transverse (e.g., 30°, 45° or 123.32°) tosuch a 2^(nd) direction, or the like. In addition, the 1^(st) directionmay be different from the 2^(nd) direction such that one direction isdefined in a Cartesian coordinate system but that another direction isdefined in a cylindrical, spherical or another coordinate system.Therefore, as long as the 1^(st) direction assigned to UI_(SEL) isreadily distinguishable from other manipulations which a user has toperform to provide UI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN), the 1^(st) direction can bealmost any direction which is parallel with, perpendicular to, ortransverse to (e.g., angled) a certain portion of a terminal.

It is appreciated that various examples of this embodiment offer variousbenefits not only to a manufacturer of a terminal but also to a user.For example, a manufacturer may conveniently design a directional inputunit, for such an input unit can distinctly differentiate UI_(SEL) fromother (user) sub-inputs such as UI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN) (or vice versa).In another example, a user may easily memorize how to provide a properUI_(SEL) along with others such as UI_(ACT) and UI_(THEN).

In addition, such a characterization of a direction for UI_(SEL) anddirections for others such as UI_(ACT) and UI_(THEN) may be irrelevantto an actual shape of a terminal, or to that of a directional inputunit, to an actual curvature of the terminal or that of the directionalinput unit. Accordingly, not only a manufacturer but also a user caneasily differentiate a direction of UI_(SEL) from those of UI_(ACT) andUI_(THEN), thereby helping them decrease errors in acquiring orproviding various (user) sub-inputs.

13-2. Device-Directed Directions of Selecting (User) Sub-Inputs

In another exemplary embodiment of this tenth exemplary aspect, anotherdirectional input unit may acquire a selecting (user) sub-input(UI_(SEL)) primarily based on a (2-D or 3-D) 1^(st) direction of atleast one component of a single user input which is defined with respectto a “reference axis” or a “reference plane” of a terminal. Upon sensingthe 1^(st) direction, a terminal selects at least one pre-selectedoperation from a set of multiple pre-selected operations, where the1^(st) direction matches at least one selecting (user) sub-input(UI_(SEL)) which in turn selects at least one pre-selected operationbased upon a 1-to-1, 1-to-n, m-to-1 or m-to-n matching of the matchinglist as described above.

It is appreciated that the 1^(st) direction of this embodiment isselected primarily on the perspective of a terminal and partly on theperspective of a user. That is, a terminal first defines a referenceaxis or a reference plane, and assigns the 1^(st) direction in such away that a terminal may distinctly acquire UI_(SEL) from a component ofa user input whichever is provided by a user body part (or a non-userobject) in the 1^(st) direction. In contrary, a terminal acquiresUI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN) from another component of a user input whicheveris provided by at least one body part of a user (or a non-user object)in a direction which is transverse (or perpendicular) to the 1^(st)direction, whichever does not coincide with the 1^(st) direction,whichever is applied to a directional input unit without beingaccompanied by any particular direction, whichever is easily or readilydistinguishable from the 1^(st) direction, or the like.

In one example, when the 1^(st) direction designated to UI_(SEL) ishorizontal (or lateral) or parallel with to such a reference axis (orplane) of a terminal, a 2^(nd) direction designated to UI_(ACT) orUI_(THEN) may be vertical or in any direction which the input unit caneasily distinguish from the 1st direction or which a user can easilyexercise or maneuver (or vice versa) while concurrently providing other(user) sub-inputs such as, UI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN) with other exercises ormaneuvers. It is noted that the reference axis of this embodiment may ormay not coincide with a longitudinal (or short) axis of a terminal aswill be described in detail below. In another example, when a 2^(nd)direction designated to UI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN) is straight (or linear),the 1^(st) direction assigned to may be curved, angular, circular, orthe like (or vice versa).

In another example, a terminal may set up a reference plane as a“surface” of a display unit of a terminal and the 1^(st) direction isdefined with respect thereto. This reference plane may be useful to auser when a display unit is a conventional touch screen and used as adirectional input unit, because the user usually operates a terminal inan upright position, while positioning a screen of a display unit facingthe user. In one case where a touch screen includes thereon at least onesensor for acquiring UI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN) as a user presses a screen ina 2^(nd) direction vertical to the screen, the touch screen may acquireUI_(SEL) from a horizontal movement or a lateral movement of a user bodypart (or a non-user object) across, over or on the screen. In anothercase where the touch screen includes multiple sensors for acquiringUI_(ACT), UI_(THEN), and UI_(AUX), as a user contacts (or touches) thescreen, such a touch screen may acquire UI_(SEL) from a lateral orhorizontal movement of at least one user body part (or a non-userobject) across, over or on the screen. Accordingly, the 1^(st) directionin this example is almost always parallel with the reference plane whichis the screen of a display unit itself. It is appreciated, however, thatsuch a 1^(st) direction may be parallel with, perpendicular to ortransverse to a short axis or a longitudinal axis of a terminal as willbe explained below.

In another example, a terminal may define a reference axis which changesits orientation depending upon an “orientation of a text” displayed on adisplay unit, e.g., depending upon whether a display unit displays atext in a portrait orientation or in a landscape orientation. Therefore,this reference axis to the 1^(st) direction may or may not coincide witha longitudinal axis or a short axis of a terminal as commonly used inthe art. FIGS. 15A to 15D describe exemplary reference axes which aredefined in terminals with various shapes and sizes and their relationsto a longitudinal axis or a short axis of a terminal as used in the art.

FIG. 16A depicts a top view of a prior art and most popularconfiguration of a terminal, where a user holds a terminal (10) in anupright position and a terminal displays a text on its display unit (52)from left to right in a portrait orientation. The display unit (52) ofthis figure is a conventional touch screen-type unit which includes ascreen thereon. The terminal also includes a directional input unit (22)in a bottom portion of a front surface thereof, where a user manipulatesthe directional input unit (22) while positioning the terminal in theupright position. In this case, a terminal defines a “longitudinal axis”which is a vertical axis in the figure, and defines a “short axis” whichis a horizontal axis in the figure.

As described hereinabove, a directional input unit (22) may include apress-ID element or a touch-ID element. In this arrangement, a userpresses or touches a press-ID (or touch-ID) element in a directionperpendicular to a screen of a display unit (52), and vertical to alongitudinal and short axis of a terminal, thereby providing UI_(ACT) orUI_(THEN) thereto. Concurrently therewith, a user may translate amovable portion of a press-ID element or may move a user body part (or anon-user object) on or over a stationary portion of a touch-ID elementin a plane which is parallel with the screen of a display unit, therebyproviding UI_(SEL) thereto. Accordingly, the 1^(st) direction (55) ofthe translating movement of the user body part and the 1^(st) direction(55) of the movement of the user body part has to be parallel with ascreen of the display unit. However, depending on an orientationthereof, the 1^(st) direction (55) may be parallel (or lateral) with alongitudinal axis or a short axis of the terminal, may be verticalthereto, or may be transverse thereto.

From time to time, a user may flip a terminal in order to position adisplay unit into a landscape orientation as depicted in FIG. 15B. Inthis orientation, a terminal defines a new 1^(st) direction (55) whichis perpendicular or transverse to a longitudinal axis of the terminalbut which is parallel with a short axis thereof.

In addition, when a user presses or touches a press-ID (touch-ID)element and provides UI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN) in a direction vertical to ascreen of a display unit (52), a user also concurrently manipulates amovable portion of the press-ID element or moves a user body part (or anon-user object) over or above a stationary portion of the touch-IDelement for providing UI_(SEL) on a plane which is parallel with thescreen of the display unit (52). Therefore, the 1^(st) direction (55) ofthe translating movement of the movable portion of a directional inputunit (22) or the movement of the user body part (or a non-user object)on the same plane may be perpendicular or at least substantiallytransverse to a 2^(nd) direction for providing UI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN).

FIG. 16C is a top view of another configuration of a terminal, where ashort axis of a terminal (10) extends in a vertical direction, while itslongitudinal axis extends in a parallel direction when a user holds aterminal (10) in an upright position. When a display unit (52) displaysa text thereon in a landscape orientation as shown in the figure andwhen a user manipulates a directional input unit (22) in an uprightposition, a 1^(st) direction (55) may be defined as an axis which isperpendicular to a direction of a text line and, therefore, the 1^(st)direction (55) is parallel with a short axis of a terminal and isdenoted by a dotted line in the figure. When a user flips a terminal toposition a display unit into a portrait orientation (not shown), a new1^(st) direction is parallel with the longitudinal axis butperpendicular to the short axis.

The terminal also includes a directional input unit (22) which isdisposed in a top portion of a right-side edge of a terminal, where theinput unit (22) may include a press-ID (or touch-ID) element. Therefore,a user may press or touch the element and provides UI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN)in a 2^(nd) direction which is parallel with a longitudinal axis of theterminal, while concurrently translating a movable portion of thepress-ID element or, alternatively, moving a user body part (or anon-user) object over or above a stationary portion of the touch-IDelement for providing UI_(SEL) in the 1^(st) direction which isperpendicular or transverse to the 2^(nd) direction. Therefore, the1^(st) direction (55) may be typically parallel with a plane which is ascreen of the display unit (52). However, a user may manipulate themovable portion or the user body part (or non-user object) at an anglewith respect to the screen. In this case, the 1^(st) direction (55) maybe perpendicular or transverse to the screen of the display unit (52),while remaining to be perpendicular or transverse to the 2^(nd)direction.

FIG. 16D is a top view of a configuration of a terminal which alsoincludes a directional input unit (22) and a display unit (52), wherethe display unit (52) defines a screen with a cross-section of apentagon. When the terminal (10) is positioned in an orientation asshown in the figure and the display unit (52) displays a text in adirection as shown in the figure, a terminal may be regarded to define alongitudinal axis and a short axis as in the figure. In such a case, a1^(st) direction (55) is again defined as being perpendicular to anorientation of a text and, therefore, parallel with the longitudinalaxis of the terminal.

Because a directional input unit is (22) positioned at a bottom of a topsurface of a terminal (10), a user may press or touch the element andprovides UI_(ACT) or UI_(THEN) in a 2^(nd) direction which is verticalto a longitudinal as well as short axis of the terminal, whileconcurrently translating a movable portion of the press-ID element or,alternatively, moving a user body part (or a non-user) object over orabove a stationary portion of the touch-ID element in the 1^(st)direction which may be perpendicular or transverse to the 2^(nd)direction. Accordingly, the 1^(st) direction (55) is parallel with aplane which is a screen of the display unit (52). However, a user maymove a movable portion of the directional input unit (22) or a user bodypart (or a non-user object) at an angle with respect to the screen.Therefore, the 1^(st) direction (55) may be perpendicular to ortransverse to the screen of the display unit (52), while remaining to beperpendicular or transverse to the 2^(nd) direction.

As described above, a user may display a text or an image on a displayunit of a terminal in either a portrait orientation or a landscapeorientation. However, a terminal includes a directional input unit in afixed position thereon. Therefore, an orientation of the 1^(st)direction of the movement caused by a user which is defined with respectto the longitudinal or short axis of a terminal may change whether aterminal displays a text or image in a portrait or landscapeorientation. Therefore, the 1^(st) direction may be defined [D1] notcompletely vertical to a longitudinal axis of the terminal, when theinput unit is disposed on a front (or rear) surface or on a side edgethereof, [D2] at least partially parallel with a longitudinal axis, whenthe input unit is disposed on a front (or rear) surface or on the sideof a terminal, [D3] not completely vertical to a longitudinal axis, whensuch an input unit is not disposed on or along a top (or bottom) edge ofa terminal, [D4] at least partially parallel with a longitudinal axis,when the input unit is not disposed on a top (or bottom) edge thereof,[D5] not completely parallel with a longitudinal axis, when the inputunit is disposed on a top (or bottom) edge of the terminal, [D6] atleast partially vertical to a longitudinal axis, when the input unit isdisposed on a front (or rear) surface or on a side of the terminal, orthe like.

14. Interchangeability

Various directional input units, various mobile communication terminalsincorporating such directional input units, and various methods ofconstructing or using such input units or terminals have been describedabove, particularly with reference to exemplary aspects, embodiments,examples, and objectives, along with details thereof. It is to beappreciated, however, that the above description is provided only forbetter understanding various configurational or operational features orcharacteristics of such terminals and methods. Accordingly, it would beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art that variousmodifications or variations of the directional input units, mobilecommunication terminals, and their related methods may be practiced fromthe above disclosure.

While exemplary aspects, embodiments, examples, and objectives have beendisclosed herein, it should be understood that other modifications orvariations thereof may be possible. Such modifications or variations arenot to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of suchexemplary aspects, embodiments, examples, and objectives of thisdisclosure, and all such modifications or variations which would beobvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within theabove disclosure as well as within the scope of the following claims.

Unless otherwise specified, characteristics of such exemplary aspects,embodiments, examples or objectives of this disclosure may applyinterchangeably to corresponding characteristics of different exemplaryaspects, embodiments, examples or objectives throughout this disclosure.

Accordingly and in one example, any of such touch-ID elements may bereplaced by such press-ID elements when a directional input unitincorporating such touch-ID elements may be configured to include atleast one movable portion therein or, in the alternative, a directionalinput unit may be configured to move as a whole. Similarly, any of thepress-ID elements may be used as the touch-ID elements when the press-IDelements may include at least one sensor which may receive a user inputor may acquire at least one (user) sub-input without requiring a user tomove at least a portion of such an input unit.

In another example, various movement paths of the movable portion of thepress-ID elements of a directional input unit may be applied to similarmovement paths of the user body part or the non-user object on or overthe stationary portion of the touch-ID elements of the directional inputunit. In addition, such movement paths of the movable portion of thepress-ID elements may be similarly applied to the movement paths of thenon-contacting non-user object or those paths of the user body partwhich is disposed away from the directional input unit, those paths ofthe gestures of the user body part which are performed by a user at adistance from the directional input unit.

It is to be understood that, while various aspects, embodiments, andexamples of this disclosure have been described in conjunction withdetailed description provided hereinabove, the foregoing disclosure isintended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of various mobilecommunication terminals, which is defined by the scope of the appendedclaims. Other aspects, embodiments, examples, advantages, andmodifications are within the scope of the following claims as well.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile communication terminal operating in alock mode and an unlock mode comprising: a display unit which is capableof being turned off in its off-state but being turned on in itson-state; and a directional input unit which is capable of receiving afirst user input and a second user input which are provided by a user ina first direction and in a second direction, respectively, wherein saidfirst and second directions are different from each other, wherein, uponreceiving a single user input provided by said user in one of said firstand second directions in said on-state, said terminal runs one of afirst selected operation and a second selected operation, respectivelyin response to said receiving, without having to receive any additionaluser input from said user other than said single user input, and whereinsaid first and second selected operations are different from each other.2. The terminal of claim 1, wherein said terminal receives said singleuser input while operating in one of said lock mode and said unlockmode.
 3. The terminal of claim 2, wherein said terminal receives saidsingle user input one of: when said user directly manipulates at least aportion of said directional input unit in one of said first and seconddirections; and when said user moves at least one body part of said userwith respect to said directional input unit in one of said first andsecond directions, while said user maintains contact between saiddirectional input unit and said body part,
 4. The terminal of claim 2,wherein said user directly manipulates said portion of said directionalinput unit by at least one of: moving said portion with said body part;touching said portion with said body part; contacting said portion withsaid body part; moving said portion with a non-user object; touchingsaid portion with said non-user object; and contacting said portion withsaid non-user object.
 5. The terminal of claim 2, wherein said terminalincludes at least one of a front surface, a rear surface, and a sidesurface, and wherein at least one of said first and second directions isa curvilinear direction which is defined on said at least one of saidsurfaces.
 6. The terminal of claim 2, wherein said terminal includes atleast one of a top side, a bottom side, a right side, and a left side,and wherein at least one of said first and second directions is acurvilinear direction which is defined one of perpendicular to said atleast one of said sides and along said at least one of said sides. 7.The terminal of claim 2, wherein said directional input unit receivessaid single user input when said user one of touches and contacts andsaid display unit.
 8. The terminal of claim 2, wherein one of said firstand second selected operations is one of: a picture taking operation; avideo recording operation; an audio recording operation; an imageviewing operation; a sound playing operation; a location monitoringoperation; a health monitoring operation; a calling operation; awireless communication operation; a messenger service operation, a shortmessage service operation; an email processing operation; a socialnetwork service operation; an event scheduling operation; a navigationoperation; an operation for connecting to a network of IoT; an operationfor connecting to an appliance through said IoT network; an operationfor connecting to a control system of a vehicle; an operation forconnecting to a control system of a building; an operation formanipulating an electric unit of one of said appliance, vehicle, andbuilding; an operation for manipulating an electro-mechanical unit ofone of said appliance, vehicle, and building; an operation of connectingto a control system of a robot; an operation of manipulating an electricunit of said robot; and an operation of manipulating anelectro-mechanical unit of said robot.
 9. A mobile communicationterminal operating in a lock mode and an unlock mode comprising: adisplay unit which is capable of being turned off in its off-state butbeing turned on in its on-state; and a directional input unit which iscapable of receiving a first user input and a second user input whichare provided by a user in a first direction and in a second direction,respectively, wherein said first and second directions are differentfrom each other, wherein, upon receiving a single user input provided bysaid user in one of said first and second directions in said on-state,said terminal runs an authentication operation of authenticating saiduser based on said single user input in response to said receiving,without having to receive any additional user input from said user otherthan said single user input, wherein, when said user passes saidauthenticating, said terminal runs one of a first selected operation anda second selected operation when said terminal received said single userinput in one of said first and second directions, respectively, withouthaving to receive any additional user input from said user other thansaid single user input, and wherein said first and second selectedoperations are different from each other.
 10. The terminal of claim 9,wherein said terminal receives said single user input while operating inone of said lock mode and said unlock mode.
 11. The terminal of claim10, wherein said terminal receives said single user input one of: whensaid user directly manipulates at least a portion of said directionalinput unit in one of said first and second directions; and when saiduser moves at least one body part of said user with respect to saiddirectional input unit in one of said first and second directions, whilesaid user maintains contact between said directional input unit and saidbody part,
 12. The terminal of claim 11, wherein said user directlymanipulates said portion of said directional input unit by at least oneof: moving said portion with said body part; touching said portion withsaid body part; contacting said portion with said body part; moving saidportion with a non-user object; touching said portion with said non-userobject; and contacting said portion with said non-user object.
 13. Theterminal of claim 10, wherein said terminal includes at least one of afront surface, a rear surface, and a side surface, and wherein at leastone of said first and second directions is a curvilinear direction whichis defined on said at least one of said surfaces.
 14. The terminal ofclaim 10, wherein said terminal includes at least one of a top side, abottom side, a right side, and a left side, and wherein at least one ofsaid first and second directions is a curvilinear direction which isdefined one of perpendicular to said at least one of said sides andalong said at least one of said sides.
 15. The terminal of claim 10,wherein said directional input unit receives said single user input whensaid user one of touches and contacts and said display unit.
 16. Theterminal of claim 10, wherein one of said first and second selectedoperations is one of: a picture taking operation; a video recordingoperation; an audio recording operation; an image viewing operation; asound playing operation; a location monitoring operation; a healthmonitoring operation; a calling operation; a wireless communicationoperation; a messenger service operation, a short message serviceoperation; an email processing operation; a social network serviceoperation; an event scheduling operation; a navigation operation; anoperation for connecting to a network of IoT; an operation forconnecting to an appliance through said IoT network; an operation forconnecting to a control system of a vehicle; an operation for connectingto a control system of a building; an operation for manipulating anelectric unit of one of said appliance, vehicle, and building; anoperation for manipulating an electro-mechanical unit of one of saidappliance, vehicle, and building; an operation of connecting to acontrol system of a robot; an operation of manipulating an electric unitof said robot; and an operation of manipulating an electro-mechanicalunit of said robot.
 17. The terminal of claim 10, wherein said terminalswitches to said unlock mode.
 18. The terminal of claim 10, wherein,when said user fails said authenticating, said terminal performs one of:switching to said off-state; running a third selected operation which isdifferent from said first and second selected operations; and remainingin said lock mode when said terminal received said single user inputwhile operating in said lock mode.
 19. A mobile communication terminaloperating in a lock mode and an unlock mode comprising: a display unitcapable of being turned off in its off-state but being turned on in itson-state; a directional input unit capable of receiving a first userinput and a second user input which are provided by a user,respectively, in a first direction and in a second direction, whereinsaid first direction is different from said second direction; and animage input unit capable of acquiring at least one of a first image anda second image, said first image related to at least one body part ofsaid user, and said second image related to at least one non-userobject, wherein, upon receiving a single user input provided in one ofsaid first and second directions by said user in said on-state, saidimage input unit acquires one of said first and second images, whereinsaid terminal runs an authentication operation of authenticating saiduser using said one of said images, without having to receive anyadditional user input from said user except said single user input andwithout having to acquire any additional image except said one of saidimages, wherein, when said user passes said authenticating, saidterminal runs one of a first selected operation and a second selectedoperation when said terminal receives said single user input in one ofsaid first direction and second direction, respectively, without havingto receive any additional user input from said user except said singleuser input and without having to acquire any additional image exceptsaid one of said images, and wherein said first selected operation isdifferent from said second selected operation.
 20. The terminal of claim19, wherein said terminal receives said single user input whileoperating in one of said lock mode and said unlock mode.
 21. Theterminal of claim 20, wherein said terminal receives said single userinput one of: when said user directly manipulates at least a portion ofsaid directional input unit in one of said first and second directions;and when said user moves at least one body part of said user withrespect to said directional input unit in one of said first and seconddirections, while said user maintains contact between said directionalinput unit and said body part,
 22. The terminal of claim 21, whereinsaid user directly manipulates said portion of said directional inputunit by at least one of: moving said portion with said body part;touching said portion with said body part; contacting said portion withsaid body part; moving said portion with a non-user object; touchingsaid portion with said non-user object; and contacting said portion withsaid non-user object.
 23. The terminal of claim 20, wherein said firstimage is an image of one of a fingerprint, a hand, a palm, a wrist, aniris, a retina, an eye, an ear, a nose, a face, and a blood vessel ofsaid user.
 24. The terminal of claim 20, wherein said image input unitcaptures said one of said images in a frequency range of at least one ofvisible light rays, ultraviolet rays, and infrared rays.
 25. Theterminal of claim 20, wherein one of said images is one of a staticimage and a dynamic image.
 26. The terminal of claim 20, wherein saidterminal includes at least one of a front surface, a rear surface, and aside surface, and wherein at least one of said first and seconddirections is a curvilinear direction which is defined on said at leastone of said surfaces.
 27. The terminal of claim 20, wherein saidterminal includes at least one of a top side, a bottom side, a rightside, and a left side, and wherein at least one of said first and seconddirections is a curvilinear direction which is defined one ofperpendicular to said at least one of said sides and along said at leastone of said sides.
 28. The terminal of claim 20, wherein saiddirectional input unit receives said single user input when said userone of touches and contacts and said display unit.
 29. The terminal ofclaim 20, wherein said directional input unit includes at least one of:a button a portion of which is movable by said user in said first andsecond directions; a screen a portion of which detects a movement of afinger of said user in said first and second directions; and a screen aportion of which detects a movement of a non-user object in said firstand second directions.
 30. The terminal of claim 20, wherein one of saidfirst and second selected operations is one of: a picture takingoperation; a video recording operation; an audio recording operation; animage viewing operation; a sound playing operation; a locationmonitoring operation; a health monitoring operation; a callingoperation; a wireless communication operation; a messenger serviceoperation, a short message service operation; an email processingoperation; a social network service operation; an event schedulingoperation; a navigation operation; an operation for connecting to anetwork of IoT; an operation for connecting to an appliance through saidIoT network; an operation for connecting to a control system of avehicle; an operation for connecting to a control system of a building;an operation for manipulating an electric unit of one of said appliance,vehicle, and building; an operation for manipulating anelectro-mechanical unit of one of said appliance, vehicle, and building;an operation of connecting to a control system of a robot; an operationof manipulating an electric unit of said robot; and an operation ofmanipulating an electro-mechanical unit of said robot.
 31. The terminalof claim 20, wherein said display unit displays one of routine data insaid lock mode, and wherein said routine data includes at least one of:a date; a time; a clock; a weather; a stopwatch; a temperature; an armedalarm; an incoming call; a wireless connection; a battery charge level;an arrival of a new email; an arrival of a new message; a status of asoftware element; a notice of an upcoming event; and a status of ahardware element.
 32. The terminal of claim 20, wherein said terminalswitches to said unlock mode.
 33. The terminal of claim 20, wherein,when said user fails said authenticating, said terminal performs one of:switching to said off-state; running a third selected operation which isdifferent from said first and second selected operations; and remainingin said lock mode when said terminal received said single user inputwhile operating in said lock mode.